Out of Tragedy

Anyone at the scene of the murders would remember the heavy rain, the confused neighbors, the crushed police cruiser, and the smoke rising from the back of the house above the trees.

Now,as the trial of Stephen Hayes for the murders of Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her daughters Hayley and Michaela begins, viewers will learn more about what happened in their home. 

Dr. William Petit, left for dead by the attackers, has been determined to keep the state government's lawyers from compromising with public defenders for Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky.

Petit has also been determined to keep the memory of his family alive through the Petit Family Foundation.  It's raised more than $1.4 million.

"This tragedy has really had an impact on everyone," said Ron Bucchi, the treasurer of the foundation. "And this gives everyone an opportunity to really kind of help out."

Through its road races and other events, the Petit Family Foundation has collected money for programs promoting women in science and targeting violence against women.

"We keep our expenses very low," said Bucchi. "I would say 95 percent of everything that we raise has the ability to go out."

The fundraising is expanding. In fact, there's something new coming Sunday, a motorcycle ride to benefit the foundation.

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