A CT family's four children died in a fire. To their dad, a playground in their memory is his ‘world'
As a major restaurant fundraiser is underway this week to raise money for a playground in memory of four young siblings killed in a 2024 house fire, their father said through tears, 'The playground makes it really real to me.'
'I should be taking them to the playground rather than building one,' Kevin Koropatkin said.
At the same time, he said, 'The playground is the whole entire world to me.' It's a place for their friends and family to gather to remember the children.
Koropatkin's only four children died in a house fire in Somers Jan. 2, 2024. His older stepdaughters survived.
'Where Angels Play Foundation,' which built 26 playgrounds honoring the Sandy Hook School shooting victims is behind the effort.
They are hoping to have it done by fall, incorporating something special and personal about each child.
The bulk of the estimated $125,000 is being raised by Ken and Audrey Shanke, owners of Meraki Hospitality Group, who own four Jersey Mike's and and soon to be five Teriyaki Madness eateries.
Here's how the public can help at Teriyaki Madness in Enfield, Hamden, and Manchester: All March donate $5+ and get 50% off a regular-sized bowl.
On March 28, 100% of sales go to the cause.
The Shankes, long time donors to worthy causes, said they live in Somers too and one of the late children had a close friend on their street.
The couple has raised as much as $80,000 for Make A Wish Foundation one year through a restaurant. Ken Shanke also has volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico for 40 years.
The fire started on the left side of the multifamily house on Quality Avenue, fire officials have said.
Killed in the blaze were Lukas Koropatkin, 11, 9-year-old Genevieve, 7-year-old Benjamin and 5-year-old Archer.
Kevin Koropatkin said the children were his 'world.' He was a stay-at-home dad in the off work season, spent a lot of time working to support them and spent a lot of time with them.
The night before he last saw them, he gave them two hugs and two kisses each because he went to the car and returned before leaving.
Koropatkin said he lost his mom and dad young, other relatives and then, his kids. He had hoped to have grandchildren one day, but now that won't happen.
'I've been to more funerals than grocery stores,' he said.
He said the death of his four children was 'the most shocking, unbelievable,' to ever happen in his life. He said one of the worst parts was he wasn't even allowed to see Lukas' body.
The children died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries and their deaths were ruled accidents, officials said.
Bill Lavin, founder of 'Where Angels Play Foundation,' and a retired New York fire captain, said he started the organization after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
They've built 70 playgrounds.
The playground, which is being created with the involvement of the families, will serve as a lasting tribute to the Koropatkin children and will be designed to honor their memory.
There are personal touches according to each child's likes and interests.
Lavin said Lukas loved to fish, so there will be a fishing dock in his honor, Genevieve was a girly girl and the boss of her brothers, Ben was artsy, and Archer was athletic.
The playground will be built in a park area donated by Somers.
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