The PETIT FAMILY FOUNDATION exists because of a tragedy: the senseless murders of a mother, JENNIFER LYNN HAWKE-PETIT with multiple sclerosis, and her two daughters, HAYLEY ELIZABETH PETIT, 17, a recent graduate of Miss Porter’s School preparing for her freshman year at Dartmouth College, and MICHAELA ROSE PETIT, 11, a rising 6th grader at Chase Collegiate School. William A. Petit, Jr., husband and father, escaped the basement to seek help with his feet still bound after being beaten with a baseball bat. At the public memorial service graciously hosted by Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT, Dr. Petit asked those gathered to “help a neighbor, fight for a cause, and love your family” to honor the memories of his family and make the world a little bit better place to live. MISSION STATEMENT The PETIT FAMILY FOUNDATION honors the memories of JENNIFER HAWKE-PETIT, HAYLEY ELIZABETH PETIT and MICHAELA ROSE PETIT by continuing the kindness, idealism and activism that defined their lives. The Foundation's funds are given to foster the education of young people, especially women in the sciences; to improve the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses; and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence.