On Tuesday, the Gabby Petito Foundation announced that it will start its inaugural fundraiser later this month at a venue on New York’s Long Island. The parents of Gabby Petito created the foundation shortly after her death, designed to assist families with missing loved ones. The case of Petito has gripped the country after her body was discovered last month in a remote area in northwestern Wyoming. Her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie has subsequently vanished and has been on the lamb for over 3 weeks. Petito’s father, Joseph Petito has previously thanked the media for its attention. But he also pointed out that many missing persons don’t attract the same interest. He said, “The mission of the foundation is to address the needs of organizations that support locating missing persons and to provide aid to organizations that assist victims of domestic violence situations, through education, awareness, and prevention strategies”.
Moreover, the foundation will be a registered 501(c, 3) organization. Joseph’s statement said, “We wish to turn our personal tragedy into a positive. 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”. The event will take place on 17th October at a music venue on Patchogue. It will also feature live music, a silent auction, and a raffle. Admission is $20 and all proceeds will benefit the foundation. Donors can buy bracelets on the foundation’s website. It is noteworthy that Petito’s family spokesperson said, “Brian Laundrie stole Gabby Petito’s credit card and used it to travel home, where he returned at the beginning of September and then ran from the police”.
Petito’s family members and the family’s attorney and spokesperson, Richard Stafford sat down for an interview with Phil McGraw. It marked the parents’ first interview together since officials announced on Sept. 21 that 22-year-old Petito had died of homicide. However, the cause of her death hasn’t yet been announced. Police had previously named Petito’s fiancé, Brian Laundrie, as a person of interest in connection with what was then her disappearance. The FBI issued an arrest warrant on 23rd September for Laundrie, alleging him of bank card fraud. The authorities also alleged that he used an unidentified person’s Capital One card and the personal identification number to charge or withdraw over $1,000 between Aug. 30 and Sept. 1. But the spokesperson or investigators didn’t confirm whether the card belonged to Petito.