The Sharing Network Foundation Announces Election of New Board Members to Help Guide Life-Saving Mission

(New Providence, NJ) - The Sharing Network Foundation is pleased to announce the election of three outstanding individuals to its Board of Trustees - JP Bartolomeo of Colts Neck, Bobby Ring of Berkeley Heights, and Lorie Rodimer, a native of Sussex County currently residing in East Stroudsburg, PA.

The new board members will play a pivotal role in guiding the Foundation’s strategic efforts to increase the number of lives saved and enhanced through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness and education about the benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The Sharing Network Foundation’s Board of Trustees is comprised of a diverse group of individuals from both public and private sectors, many of whom have been touched by donation, including donor families and transplant recipients.

“We are thrilled to welcome JP, Bobby, and Lorie to our Board of Trustees,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation. “Each of them brings unique perspectives, experiences, and a shared dedication to our mission. Their diverse talents and passion will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.”

JP Bartolomeo of Colts Neck, NJ | Advocate

JP Bartolomeo brings a wealth of financial expertise to the board, having started his career in 1993 at Sherwood Securities before joining The Benchmark Company in 2004 as a Senior Managing Director. His principled leadership helped expand the firm's presence in Monmouth County. Besides his professional achievements, Bartolomeo is also an Eagle Scout, reflecting his dedication to service. His extensive network and professional experience are poised to open new doors for the Sharing Network Foundation.

Bobby Ring of Berkeley Heights, NJ | Living Kidney Donor, Corporate Partner, Sponsor

Bobby Ring is the President of Meyer & Depew, a HVAC company that has been serving Central and Northern New Jersey since 1953. Ring’s commitment to the Sharing Network Foundation is evident in his pledge to donate $100 for every HVAC unit sold, already resulting in a generous contribution of $29,400 to the Foundation. In addition to his corporate leadership, Ring exemplifies the spirit of giving as he donated a kidney to his sister, Kathleen, in 1984, extending her life.

Lorie Rodimer of East Stroudsburg, PA | Organ and Tissue Donor Mom, 5K Team Captain

Lorie Rodimer actively serves as a 5K Celebration of Life team captain for Tyler's Tight Lines, a team formed in memory of her son Tyler, who passed away in an automobile accident in 2019.

Tyler’s donated liver and kidneys saved the lives of three people. His donated heart valves helped two people with genetic disorders, and 16 people’s lives were enhanced with his skin donation, including 12 women recovering from mastectomies. Lorie Rodimer is now an integral member of the 5K Steering Committee and an enthusiastic fundraiser. Under her leadership, Tyler's Tight Lines raised more than $55,000. Rodimer also had the honor of representing the Sharing Network Foundation and Dignity Memorial at the 2023 Rose Parade, where Tyler was commemorated with a floragraph on the OneLegacy Donate Life parade float.

According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant. However, the generosity of those in the Garden State is providing hope for the future. In 2022, the number of organ donors and organs transplanted in a single year reached all-time highs. This marked the fourth consecutive year NJ Sharing Network has reported new records in the number of organ donors, underscoring the clear trend of increased support for organ donation.

“With the ongoing support of the Sharing Network Foundation and the outstanding additions to its Board, we are forging a path to save and enhance more lives than ever before,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO, NJ Sharing Network, the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for the Garden State. “Together, we will ensure caring and compassionate support is always there for our organ and tissue donor families and give our transplant recipients more holidays, birthdays, and special moments to share with their loved ones.”

One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.