1st Fundraiser Planned For The Gabby Petito Foundation

BLUE POINT, NY — A fundraiser has been planned for the advocacy organization formed in the name of slain Long Islander Gabrielle Petito.

The Gabby Petito Foundation, which was formed in the wake of the Blue Point native’s death to help families with missing loved ones, will benefit from a fundraiser organized by the Blue Point Fire Department and 89 North in Patchogue on Oct. 17.

For the event, which kicks off at 1 p.m., the venue will be open to all ages and there will be live music featuring The Christian Cabrera Band, Afterburn, Justice, and Half Breeds. There will also be food, a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction.

The suggested donation for the event is $20.

Petito's four parents, Joseph and Tara Petito and Jim and Nichole Schmidt, announced the foundation's formation at a news conference on Sept. 28.

At the time, Joseph Petito said the family needs "positive stuff to come from the tragedy that happened," adding, "We can't let her name be taken in vain."

The foundation's mission is "to address the needs of organizations who support locating missing persons and to provide aid to organizations who assist victims of domestic violence situations, through education, awareness, and prevention strategies," its website states.

"We wish to turn our personal tragedy into a positive," the website continues. "It is our hope that Gabby’s foundation will bring these important issues into the forefront of the public eye to the benefit of all our communities."

In addition to the fundraiser, there is also drive to sell silicone and metal bracelets with “Justice for Gabby.”

Petito, a 22-year-old former Blue Point resident who had been living in North Port, FL, the past two years with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, and his family, was reported missing on Sept. 11 and was later found dead on Sept. 19, in Wyoming after an exhaustive search by law enforcement.

During the search, there was a herculean effort on social media with family members starting a Facebook page, "Find Gabby," and members of the community undertaking a massive campaign to get the word out that she was missing.

The family thanked members of the community in a post on Monday and highlighted the foundation's new page.

"To those of you that still follow the find Gabby page, thank you," the post reads. "We will continue to use this page for updates but also follow the Gabby Petito Foundation page. Thank you all so much for the love and support! This foundation is what's keeping us going! xoxo"

The fire department urged anyone who cannot attend the fundraiser to donate directly by going to www.gabbypetitofoundation.org. The organization can also be reached at P.O. Box One, Blue Point, New York 11715.

Laundrie, a person of interest in Petito's disappearance, was reported missing by his parents on Sept. 17. He has since been indicted for fraud in connection with using Petito's bank card and there is currently a massive manhunt underway for him in Florida, Fox News reported.

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