Gabby Petito Foundation: Family Announces Future Memorial Fund

Gabby Petito’s family is soliciting donations for the future Gabby Petito Foundation, and asked in his funeral announcement that donations are sent through the Johnny Mac Foundation in lieu of flowers. Read on to learn more about the foundation and your family’s plans to preserve your memory.

Petito, 22, was found dead Sunday, September 19, 2021, at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. She was reported missing 10 days after her fiancé, Brian laundrie, 23, returned home from a trip without Petito. Officials are conducting a search for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve, a swampy nature preserve in Florida.

An arrest warrant was issued for Laundrie on Thursday, September 23, 2021, related to accusations from the Wyoming federal court regarding the use of “unauthorized devices” following Petito’s death. according to NBC News. Officials told NBC that the arrest warrant is related to allegations that he used a debit card that he was not allowed to use, and is not directly related to Petito’s death.

Petito’s funeral will be open to the public, his family announced. The funeral and visitation will take place at noon on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook.

Online donations can be made to the future Gabby Petito Foundation through the Johnny Mac Foundation

Gabby Petito’s family is in the process of creating the future Gabby Petito Foundation, her father, Joseph Petito wrote on Twitter. However, donations can be made through the Johnny Mac Foundation, a memorial fund created in memory of John F. McNamara, an FDNY firefighter who died at age 44 of cancer related to his response at Ground Zero during the 500s. hours after September 11. 2001, according to the National Association of Fallen Firefighters.

Petito’s family has not detailed their plans for the foundation, but said the donations will be used for “family expenses” in the donation page. Joseph Petito asked that donations be made to the Gabby Petito Foundation in lieu of flowers.

“In lieu of flowers for service, please send donations to the Future Gabby Petito Foundation through the Johnny Mac Foundation,” she wrote on Twitter, sharing donation links, along with a photo of her daughter with angel wings and a halo. “We appreciate all the support.”

Donations can be made through the Johnny Mac Foundation here or through PayPal here with a note to send funds to the Gabby Petito Foundation.

Gabby Petito’s mom, Nichole Schmidt, is a volunteer and board member of the Johnny Mac Foundation

Schmidt was described as a “longtime volunteer and current board member for Johnny Mac” at the Johnny Mac Foundation website. Schmidt is listed as a board member and community liaison on the website dashboard page.

“Gabby is the daughter of Nichole Schmidt, a longtime volunteer, and current Johnny Mac board member. Funds donated via the link below will be used for family expenses,” the website says, along with a donation link.

The foundation was formed on the basis of McNamara’s dying wishes, which his wife, Jennifer, found after his death. according to the mission statement of the Johnny Mac Foundation.

Says:

The Foundation’s mission is to honor the essence of who John was and continue his inspiring work, not only to see the Community Center project come to life, but to continue the selfless spirit of Johnny Mac by supporting other organizations loved by your heart groups. dedicated to the support of Firefighters and Rescuers.

After John died, hidden in her hospital bag, Jennifer found a list of things John wanted her to do if he didn’t survive. One of those things was the construction of a community center in Blue Point, New York, where John, Jenn and Jack lived. Jennifer formed the FDNY Firefighter John F. McNamara Foundation, also known as The Johnny Mac Foundation, to fulfill that wish. The Foundation is now working tirelessly to build the community center that John envisioned, which will be the cornerstone of community, family, and camaraderie, just as John did.