Siblings honor father's memory by supporting Eggertsville center
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Joe Lang is remembered as someone who wanted to help as many people as he could - and that lesson has stayed with his children.

Patrick, Michael and Mollie Lang will be donating $25,000 to the Eggertsville Community Center on Bailey Avenue. The donation is being made through the Joe Lang Foundation - Putting Kids First.

"He was a good-hearted guy. He gave however he could to help," Patrick, 21, said about his father. "This will give the community center a step in the right direction. It keeps the legacy going."

Patrick added that his dad gave everyone hope and had a positive impact on their lives.

"He would help anyone in need. he was very generous. Even if he knew the person for five minutes, he wouldn't hold back from helping them," Patrick said.

Mr. Lang passed away on Sept. 11, 2006 from a brain tumor, and the Joe Lang Foundation was created in his honor and to continue his mission.

Elda Kollora, the children's mother, said her family and Mr. Lang's have both benefited from community centers and the outreaching of family and friends.

She said she wanted to make sure the youth in Eggertsville had a place to go after school and on days when schools were closed.

Mollie, 17, an Amherst Central High School student who has been studying in Italy, will return home in time for the donation presentation.

Many of her friends live in the Eggertsville area, and Ryba said Mollie wanted to help them with this donation.

The presentation will be made on Sunday, March 11 during the St. Joseph's Day Table benefit at the Independent Health Community Center, 5005 Sheridan Drive

The dinner is at 3 and 6:30 p.m. and tickets cost $20 per person. Bing's Restaurant will be catering the event. Call 440-7507 for reservations.

All proceeds from the dinner will also be donated to the Eggertsville Community Center.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com