source: http://goo.gl/mJ65B
Two thousand runners lined up and took off in the Sixth
Annual GE 5K Road Race benefiting the Petit Family Foundation.
NBC Connecticut is Partners in a Caring Community with the
Petit Family Foundation held the event in
The Petit Family Foundation started back in 2008, and the
participation and enthusiasm for the event just continues to
grow.
"I think most people are inherently good, and I think most
people want to help others. And this gives people a chance to help," said Dr.
William Petit.
After the 2007 murder of his wife, Jennifer, and their two
daughters, Hayley and Michaela, Dr. Petit created the Petit Family Foundation to
help others in their memory.
"Amazing. Amazing
that he's found love and life and has been able to move on. And he's
shown us all that we can do something," said runner Amy Brini.
But Dr. Petit says helping others helps him
heal.
"He's gone through this, and he has a great attitude about
it. And he's also our strength in getting through this also," said Co-director
of the GE 5K Road Race Bob Heslin.
Heslin and his brother, both high school friends of Dr.
Petit, started the GE 5K Road Race six years ago. So far the even has raised
nearly one million dollars.
"We're just very thankful for the support from the local
community, from the people of the state of
And the support continues to grow every year because every
year at the finish line runners and spectators know they're helping to make the
world a better place.
The Petit Family Foundation helps with the education of young people, particularly women in the sciences, as well as supporting those with chronic illness and protecting those affected by violence.