Brook Park fundraiser honors Dom Russo, Davion Flanagan; supports youth basketball nonprofit and domestic violence awareness

BROOK PARK, Ohio (WOIO) - A fundraiser planned for Saturday, June 27, at Tavern 150 in Brook Park will raise money for the Change the Game for Dom Foundation while also bringing awareness to “Dom and Davion’s Law” and efforts to stop domestic violence.

Organizer Christine Russo created Change the Game for Dom Foundation in honor of her brother, Dominic Russo, and his friend Davion Flanagan, whose lives were tragically taken in 2022 when Mackenzie Shirilla slammed her car into a brick wall at 100 mph in Strongsville.

The foundation aims to help underprivileged children access the sport Dominic loved most, basketball, by providing new shoes, equipment and uniforms, and creating opportunities to play through sponsorships and support for local leagues.

“A lot of people ask, like, I’m doing so much in such a small amount of time. The support has been unreal and I’m so appreciative, everybody in the family is appreciative and it was either sit back and do nothing or use my platform now to do anything positive, like to make something positive out of this tragedy, in his honor, just to do something to better anything, to make us feel a tiny bit better,” Russo said.

The event runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Tavern 150, 5771 Smith Road. Tickets are $40 and include domestic beer, well drinks and all-you-can-eat food. Organizers say there will also be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, sideboards, gift baskets and more.

“So basketball was a huge thing between me and Dom. I went to all his games. That was his favorite sport. Growing up, it was just kind of what we did and then he played basketball with my son, and I would pick him up on the weekends, we’d make a basketball court. So, it’s just something that is dear to me with him,” Russo said.

The fundraiser is hosted by Russo, The Big Sister Unhinged podcast and special guests. Russo added, “Together, we can honor Dom and Davion’s memories, raise awareness, advocate for change, and help make a difference for the next generation.”

“He would absolutely love the foundation,” Russo added.

You can also purchase bracelets and-shirts that will help support the foundation.

There are nearly 20 sponsors participating. Some include Jayne of All Trades, Dr Goldschmidt, Dante Bocuzzi, Fire 45, Tony Buys Houses and the CIS.

Justina Loychik, Christine Russo’s cousin and the CEO of Jayne of All Trades, is sponsoring the event, something she says hits close to home.

“It’s really important, I enjoy it, especially because this is something that is so close to home, it’s family. I’m really happy to see the outpouring of love and support,” Loychik said. For this fundraiser specifically, I didn’t have to work that hard. It was really nice. Everyone really wanted to be a part of it."

More information can be found on Russo’s social media or at this link. Tickets are still available.

“I enjoy the fact that we’re doing something positive out of this. It has been so tragic and sad and just nothing about it has been fun,” Loychik said. “So, it’s nice to be able to do something to get all the family together, to meet everyone who supports us, to get us out of the house and join together for a fun time and a good cause.”

Note: Organizers say the Change the Game for Dom Foundation is preparing to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Until the IRS approves that application, donations are not currently guaranteed to be tax-deductible. Viewers are encouraged to consult a tax advisor regarding their individual situation.