SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It's been a year since a beloved Sacramento DJ was shot and killed. Now, his family is choosing to honor his life by launching a foundation in his name, calling it the DJ Gio Foundation.
This past year for Anita Razo has been difficult without her son. Giovanni Pizano or, DJ Gio, was shot and killed in a Natomas neighborhood last April. This weekend, however, was all about celebrating his life.
"We have the DJ Gio non-profit Foundation, starting today and/or this weekend," said Razo.
Kicking it off is an art exhibit, showcasing local artists with their own versions of DJ Gio art.
"The idea came out to do an art show to allow some of these artists that are doing Gio art to show off their talent," said Razo.
Lupita Elizondo is one of those artists. She created heart-shaped earrings with DJ Gio's actual signature engraved on them.
"We wanted to do something very personal to him and his family, and we had an idea to create the earrings that have original signature on them," said Elizondo.
The heart-shape is strategic, Elizondo said, and there's a special meaning behind the earring's shape.
"Honestly, means love more than anything. That's the whole reason why the earrings are heart shaped, and you'd love to be able to spread love that Gio had for his community, especially his family," she said.
The DJ Gio Foundation has a goal of raising $10,000 from this event. With sales from this weekend, Razo said it will not only go towards funding supplies and resources for young artists but also help protect future generations.
"Show kids that they can do something else with their abilities, so that they don't go out and look for trouble in the streets or get into things that they shouldn't have -- you know, keep them away from guns," said Razo.
Through this all, Razo said her goal in life is to continue to fight for justice for her son and to keep his name alive.
"He's one of the reasons that I'm following through with his legacy. This is one of the reasons that I set up the nonprofit foundation because I want to continue doing something that he hoped to do," she said.
The DJ Gio Foundation is currently accepting donations through Zelle and Apple Pay at 949-735-7785.
Nigel Robinson was arrested and charged with the murder. His next court appearance will be later this month.
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