It was with extreme sadness we announced the passing last week of Jim Mendolera’s son, Joseph, in an automobile accident. Joseph was 22 years old and the second oldest of Jim’s six children. Joseph was home in New York visiting family before going off to boot camp for the US Navy in mid- February of this year. As we can only imagine, Joseph’s family and friends are devasted by his loss. As a member of the Statera Biopharma family, we would like to honor Joseph by donating a memorial park bench or grove of trees (depending on the amount of donations) in a US National Park. Knox Farm is in East Aurora, NY, the family’s hometown. This donation site will be open for two weeks, at which time we will determine exactly what we are donating – and notify each of you as well as notifying Jim, his wife Jenn, and their family. Thank you. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/163/details.aspx
UPDATE 1: We quickly reached our initial goal, which will cover the cost of memorializing a bench at Knox Farm National Park! We will continue to accept donations until the campaign closes in two weeks – to donate a grove of trees to the same site in Joseph’s memory. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
UPDATE 2: We have reached our goal! Thank you everyone for your donations and support. We will be donating a grove of 4 deciduous (1 1/2″-2″ diameter) and 6 5′-6′ evergreens in Joseph’s Memory to Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, NY. Unfortunately, the park has discontinued its memorial bench program. I know that Jim, Jenn and their family will be extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Thank you!
UPDATE 3: Great news! Due to your generosity, we were able to donate in a much bigger way! We have donated 4 deciduous (1 1/2″-2″ diameter) trees to be planted within the park AND we are replacing the entire apple orchard at the Park in Joseph’s memory. Friends of the Knox Farm State Park were extremely grateful for this generous donation. Thank you!