Sebring students were recently outfitted with new running shoes thanks to a donation from The Carl and Josie Scarpitti Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to helping children and young adults through education and sports, and the shoes were given to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Carl Scarpitti’s passing in 1995.

The Carl and Josie Scarpitti Foundation was established by the Scarpitti family in memory of its namesake and longtime owner of “Carl’s Shu Renewery” in downtown Sebring. Mrs. Scarpitti’s name was added to the foundation after her passing in 2017. As the parents of eight children, they were staunch supporters of Sebring’s schools, sports teams and the broader community.

“Our family thought donating shoes to students would be a perfect way to celebrate our father’s legacy since he was a shoe repairman who loved children.

“During his working years, and well after he retired, kids in town would stop by the shoe shop or our house and he would fix their shoes, repair baseball gloves and even sharpen ice skates — all for free. We still hear stories from people around town who remember our dad for these small acts of kindness.”

Second Sole, a shoe company that has serviced communities in Ohio since 1981, was the shoe vendor for this event. Second Sole staff visited both the elementary school and high school in mid-September to size students for their shoes before placing the order.

“Our district is extremely fortunate to receive such a gift. Carl Scarpitti’s legacy in Sebring is one of exceptional kindness towards children. Our kids are privileged to be the beneficiaries of that legacy,” said Toni Viscounte, Sebring Superintendent.