November 27, 2024

Two Benefit Concerts in Memory of John Cappelli Raise over $60,0000 for Schizophrenia and Community Integration Services at St. Joe’s 

On September 6, 2024, Adam Cappelli hosted an outdoor benefit concert in his backyard to honour his late brother, John Cappelli and raise funds for the Schizophrenia and Community Integration Service (SCIS) at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Over 150 friends and family members came together to enjoy a performance by Alan Frew of Glass Tiger and participate in a small but mighty live auction.  

On November 3, 2024, a sold-out audience at Hamilton’s Zoetic Theatre was treated to an extraordinary performance by violinist Grenville Pinto. Hosted by Gabe Macaluso and Matteo Sacco, and sponsored by LiUNA Local 837 and Carstar, this matinee concert was in support of same worthy cause and honoured the memory of the same beloved man.  

Both benefit concerts were a beautiful way to honour the life of John Cappelli and support mental health care at St. Joe’s, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone involved. The combined $60,000 in funds will help the care teams within the SCIS continue to provide person-centered, specialized mental health care for people with schizophrenia and related illnesses living in Hamilton and the surrounding regions of Halton, Brant, and Haldimand-Norfolk. The support SCIS provides all people with experiences of psychosis related to schizophrenia to regain and manage their health, and to live hopeful, meaningful lives through the provision of compassionate, innovative, specialized mental health and addiction services. 

A little about John Cappelli 
John Cappelli passed away in April 2024, after battling schizophrenia for nearly 55 years. Despite his struggle, John was a kind man. His family provided endless love and support, founding the Hamilton Chapter of Friends of Schizophrenics in the 1980s alongside McMaster medical staff.  The Cappelli family also acknowledges how difficult John’s life was, and how at times, finding help or care that was not stigmatized was really difficult too. They hope that by sharing John’s story, others who have faced similar struggles can find solace, and that there can be a greater sense of compassion and awareness within our community when it comes to complex mental health diagnoses and care.  

Learn More About John’s Story Here:  
https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/our-tears-are-not-for-your-death-dear-brother-but-for-your-life-a-story/article_25001a48-9f18-5555-bec0-ba331d4808d5.html  

Learn More About the Care St. Joe’s Provides Here: 
Schizophrenia & Community Integration Service (SCIS)