Organizers of the inaugural General Electric/Petit Family Foundation 5K Road Race on Sept. 11 presented a check for $225,000 to the charity and called the July 20 event a success.

More than 3,000 runners and walkers turned out for the race in Plainville that benefited the foundation in three areas - providing educational scholarships in sciences, battling multiple sclerosis and movement diseases, and fighting violence. The foundation is in part named for Dr. William A. Petit Jr.'s deceased wife, Jennifer Hawke Petit and daughters, Hayley, 17, and Micaela, 11, who were killed July 23, 2007, in a home invasion in Cheshire.

More than 50 people from GE and other sponsors turned out for the ceremony to present the check to the Petit Family Foundation. Dr. Petit's longtime friends, Bob and Gary Heslin, who headed the group that sponsored and oversaw the race, said they were pleased by the community's support for the race.

In addition to Dr. Petit and the Heslin brothers, representatives of General Electric, local dignitaries and members of Dr. Petit's family attended, including his father, William A. Petit Sr.; mother, Barbara Triano Petit; and sister, Johanna Petit Chapman.

Dr. Petit expressed gratitude to the many thousands of people who participated in, attended or supported the inaugural race. He said the foundation has raised more than $800,000 that will assist the three areas his wife and daughters were interested in. He said the intent is to create a self-supporting fund that will tap interest made on the donated money. He said he is pleased and grateful for the support shown by the area, including Plainville, where he grew up. He also is grateful that GE has offered to be the main sponsor at the second annual race, scheduled for July 19 in town.

Bob Heslin also expressed appreciation to GE and the other sponsors who helped make the race a success. "It's fantastic," he said, adding the community came together to support a worthy cause that touched many hearts. Bob Heslin said plans are already under way for the second annual event.

Dr. Petit's sister, Johanna Petit Chapman, of Plainville, said she was grateful for the support shown by organizers, sponsors, donors and participants. She said that Plainville "is a great little town."