The Maplewood Village Alliance and Keller Williams Midtown Direct Realty are starting a fund to raise money for the family of Guo Tai Chen. Chen, 50, of Queens, died after a floor collapse at Coda Kitchen and Bar in Maplewood last Friday.
The Maplewood Village Alliance website reported that "in the aftermath of a restaurant construction collapse that killed one man and seriously injured another, residents and businesses in Maplewood are quickly organizing to aid the families of those men. Keller Williams Midtown Direct Realty will be partnering with the Maplewood Village Alliance to establish a fund to collect donations in support of the families of the deceased and injured".
Checks can be made to 'Maplewood Village Alliance – Chen Family Fund'. According to the Maplewood Vilage Alliance, all donations will be tax deductible and a receipt will be issued when donations are received. Checks can be mailed to: MVA PO Box 1360 Maplewood, NJ 07040 Attn: Chen Family Fund. Online donations can be made here. According to the Maplewood Vilage Alliance, all donations will be tax deductible and a receipt will be issued when donations are received.
In addition, the website said that "the Village Alliance’s annual “Girl’s Night Out” will take place this Thursday evening where tip jars will be provided to collect donations for the staff of Coda, as financial aid to the waiters, bartenders, and other employees, while the rebuilding of the restaurant takes place".
Coda co-owners, Bradley Takahashi and Luke Finn, issued the following statement regarding the floor collapse: "As you know, a tragic accident occurred last week at Coda. We are devastated by the injuries and the loss of life and our hearts go out to the affected families. We also want to thank the dozens of emergency workers who came to our aid. We will never forget their bravery, professionalism, and compassion. We also appreciate the outpouring of love and support from the community during this trying time and we look forward to serving you again as soon possible".
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