EVENT WITH A PURPOSE

The M.J. Petretto Foundation was established in 2009, inspired by M.J.’s nephew, Jesse, who suffered a spinal cord injury in a near fatal auto accident that changed his life forever. Thanks to family, friends, and the intensive rehabilitation received from Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford, Jesse is walking again. Our commitment is to assist in assuring the continuing excellence of Gaylord’s program.

Additionally, The M.J. Petretto Foundation provides support to Parkinson’s Exercise and Caregiver Support Programs in honor of Linda Remington’s father, Ray Przygocki. It is the support and education from local programs that help individuals with Parkinson’s cope with grace, dignity, camaraderie, and a touch of humor. There is hope a time will come where there will be a cure for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Our mission is to help fund organizations that support education, health, and quality of life in Connecticut communities. The Foundation focuses on annual, targeted gift giving and raising awareness about the extraordinary impact local resources provide. To date, we have donated $283,750 to amazing organizations that have touched and impacted many lives. We are honored to have been part of these organizations’ programs through our annual support.

The Organizations We Support:

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare (Wallingford)
Provides long term acute care and rehabilitation to patients. It serves
the need of persons who might never regain use of their limbs. Gaylord’s
dream is to become a Neuro Motor Center that houses state of the art
robotics and technology resources.

Parkinson’s Exercise and Caregiver Support Programs (Shoreline)
Provides Parkinson’s Exercise Classes and Family Caregiver Support,
resource materials, expert speakers and a local venue for camaraderie
and information sharing.

A Better Chance – ABC House (Guilford)
Offers young minority women from under-represented communities the
opportunity to attend Guilford High School and a preparatory collegetrack
program. This provides an environment of a strong support system
within the community.

Shoreline Arts Alliance (Guilford)
Cultivates artistic activity to encourage and educate artists and arts
participants of all ages. By assisting affiliated arts organizations, SAA is
helping to build the infrastructure of the arts on the Shoreline.

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