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Reward set at $5K in search for Donofrio
BOARDMAN
The family of a missing Boardman businessman has put a monetary value to a standing reward.
Jim Donofrio’s family is offering $5,000 as a reward to anyone who gives information that helps locate Donofrio, who went missing three months ago. A reward was announced earlier but the amount was not disclosed.
“We’re just desperate for answers. Hopefully the reward will instigate some activity,” said Rosanne Donofrio, Jim’s wife.
James “Jim” Donofrio, was reported missing Sept. 25 after he was expected to close his restaurant, Avalon Gardens on Belmont Avenue, but never arrived.
Police and volunteers searched the Mahoning River and the Mahoning Valley unsuccessfully in the weeks after Jim’s disappearance.
Rosanne said the outpouring of support from family, friends and Valley residents has been “overwhelming,” and people still call her daily to ask what she needs and where they can search.
“We’re just living day-to-day as best we can. I’m not a person who gives up on anything. I’m not a negative person, so I’m trying to just move ahead with what we need to do,” Rosanne said.
Nancy Donofrio, Jim Donofrio’s sister-in-law, said the family is trying to raise the reward money. She said the effort has a good start with a sold-out benefit dinner today at Lucianno’s Caf and Banquet Center in Austintown.
Others who would like to make a donation can do so at any PNC Bank location by designating money for the “The Donofrio Family Fund.”
“If the reward doesn’t pan out, we still will definitely use the money, if it means for traveling somewhere or hiring someone to search for Jim,” Rosanne said.
Posters with Jim’s picture and other information are available at www.findjames.info. Anyone with information is asked to call Youngstown police at 330-742-8911 or anonymously at 330-746-CLUE.