In Your Shoes: The Sophia Capo Memorial Foundation held its first benefit at the Barrel Room in North Canton on Monday evening. The foundation was founded by Lauren and Tony Capo in memory of their daughter, Sophia, who died in June 2012 due to a congenital heart defect.
“We want to increase awareness of congenital heart defects in newborns,” Lauren said as she greeted 200 guests with big hugs. The event raised funds for the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital playroom to benefit pediatric heart transplant patients and their families.
John Gall entertained with music, and Nikolina Karovski of Q92 radio was emcee for the event that featured pizza and salad from Ermanno’s Pizza, and Caroline’s Cupcakes for dessert. Owner Jonathan Gotschall even designed a cupcake named “Sweet Sophia.” The Capos’ children, Maryn, 8, and Anthony, 5, enjoyed the event with their grandmother, Julie Fox.
Family members Steve Capo, Melissa and Jeff Lewis, and Tony’s parents, Denis and Doris Capo, sold raffle tickets for a variety of prizes. Matt and Ashley Andrews, Sue Downing, Jayne Gall, Gene Swearengin and Leo Pappas looked over silent auction items.
Brenin Betz, 7, arrived in complete football attire with his mother, Kristin Faniola; his grandmother, Brenda Faniola; and baby brother, Cam. He was excited to meet former Ohio State football players T.J. Downing and Maurice Clarett, as well as former Kent State football player Jamie Howell, who signed autographs and posed for photos with fans. Tony Ramos sold T-shirts emblazoned with “Our House Is Ohio” assisted by his daughter Shae. Ramos said he and Clarett formed the shirt company to raise funds for Ohio charities.
Ronda Egert, Doreen Durigg, Jenny Gotshall, Tracy Jacques, Troy Swiney and Dan and Pam Clay stepped outdoors on the patio to enjoy the summer evening. Adam Todd, owner of the Barrel Room, was happy the Capos chose his wine and beer bar for their first fundraiser, and hopes it becomes an annual event.
Lauren Capo thanked the crowd for their support as she offered a toast to Sophia: “No footprint is too small to make a mark on this world.” North Canton Mayor David Held praised Lauren and Tony Capo for turning a terrible tragedy into a positive to help other families. Downing helped pull the winning tickets for raffle prizes.
For more information on the foundation, visit www.inyourshoescharity.org.
