Fundraiser in memory of Gabby Petito aims to combat domestic violence

The money raised at the event is to provide resources to help prevent tragedies often linked to domestic abuse.

News 12 Staff

Jul 31, 2023, 3:12 AM

Updated 293 days ago

Share:

Residents gathered in West Babylon Sunday afternoon to hold a fundraiser in memory of the late Blue Point native Gabby Petito.
The money raised at The Gabby Petito Foundation event is to provide resources to help prevent tragedies often linked to domestic abuse.
Participants also aimed to raise awareness of domestic violence.
"I can't believe how many people came. It's so wonderful to see support from everyone. It was great," said Mary Wickman, Petito's grandmother.
Since Petito's 2021 death at the hands of her late boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, the foundation has been on a mission to educate the public about domestic violence, provide resources to help support domestic violence survivors as well as advocate for families whose loved ones are still missing.
"If we could save one more life from violence or death, that's what matters to me," Wickman said.
Prizes and gift baskets were donated to the event to help raise money for the foundation. The proceeds raised through the fundraiser will go directly to fight against domestic abuse.
Petito's family members did not have a specific target amount they wanted to raise for the event. However, they did say the support of the community, volunteers and the 50 Yard Line Sport Bar, which, organized the event, helped make this fundraiser successful.
The Petito family said they will continue to fundraise both locally and around the country in their mission of supporting domestic abuse survivors.


More from News 12
0:50
Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach raises money to support women and children

Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach raises money to support women and children

1:56
Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

0:15
Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Guide: School Vote 2024 budgets and tax informaton

Guide: School Vote 2024 budgets and tax informaton

0:39
Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

1:59
Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

0:51
Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

0:17
Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

0:32
Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

2:28
How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

1:43
CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

1:46
Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

0:26
Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

1:39
Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

2:06
Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

0:24
Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

0:51
Plainview-Old Bethpage hosts basketball team from Israel impacted by Oct. 7 attacks

Plainview-Old Bethpage hosts basketball team from Israel impacted by Oct. 7 attacks

1:24
Nassau County high school seniors take part in aerial simulation exercise

Nassau County high school seniors take part in aerial simulation exercise

1:53
Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

2:29
Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend

Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend