Support the Tokars Family

On Friday April 3rd, the world unexpectedly lost Michael "Mike" Phillip Tokars from Bradenton, Florida. 

Mike was a beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend. He was adored by so many and impacted the lives of countless people during every stage of his abbreviated time on earth. We loved Mike for immeasurable reasons; for his tenacious curiosity, compassionate heart, infectious sense of humor, and kindred spirit.  

Mike’s life is in part defined by his passions and what he valued most. He was an eloquent writer, gifted artist, voracious traveler, avid surfer, and music enthusiast. During his short life, he explored paths in Atlanta, New York City, and Los Angeles, and met countless meaningful friends along the way. However, he always considered Bradenton, Florida and its community to be his home. 

A few of us from his Bradenton extended family have created a GoFundMe page in response to the overwhelming support from our community. We hope to achieve our goal to cover all medical, memorial, and funeral services while the family mourns the passing of our dear friend Mike. 

Though Mike's time was short, he will remain part of our lives forever. In many ways, we already feel his impact through compassion, gratitude, and support that has been pouring in since his death. We hope that he is looking down on us now, together with his mom, Sara Ambrusko, smiling, laughing and knowing how much he was loved and respected. 

Thank you to everyone who can contribute. It goes without saying, this will hugely impact the family.


UPDATE May 4, 2020: 


FROM MIKE’S BROTHER, RICK, AND THE ENTIRE AMBRUSKO FAMILY:


We are overcome with gratitude for your incredible kindness and generosity.  When we saw that Mike’s friends set up this fund, we could barely speak; we were so touched.  It means so much to us that Mike has such wonderful friends who love him so much.  Reading your words about Mike brought us so much comfort.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We will be grateful to you all forever.


FROM MIKE’S FRIENDS WHO SET UP THE GFM:

 

First, thank you all so much for the thoughtful outpouring of love and generosity, especially during such a trying moment in history. It has truly been overwhelming to see the enormous response from around the world. Attached is a link to Mike's obituary:

https://www.hampfuneral.com/obituary/Michael-Tokars

Mike's family and friends are moved beyond words by all those who cared so deeply for Mike. The funds raised during this campaign will help to fund the following:

1. California mortuary

2. Mike's transport from California to Buffalo, NY where he rests next to his mother, Sara, and his Grandparents, Dr. John & Phyllis Ambrusko. 

3. Buffalo funeral home

4. Buffalo Memorial

5. Gravestone

6. Bradenton, FL memorial

7. Any remaining funds will be issued directly to Mike's family. 

Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for remembering Mike, and for loving Rick and the entire Ambrusko family.