Fundraiser Nets More Than $3,000 for Simsbury Murder Victim’s Family

An effort to raise funds for the family of murder victim Beth Day netted more than $3,000 Saturday. 

By late evening Laura LaPlante, who organized the fundraiser at a private home in Canton, estimated that between $3,500 and $4,000 had been raised through donations, a raffle and a few checks from those who could not attend the event. 

"It turned out way better than we thought it was going to," LaPlante said. 

Day was killed in a Simsbury apartment Sept. 19. Police said Michael Wawrzyniak killed her and then himself. 

In the days after the tragedy, LaPlante, roommates with Beth's brother Jim, wanted to help, especially as the family looks to take care of the late couple's 14-month-old son Dominik.

LaPlante created a facebook invite to the Saturday event and soon numerous area residents and business stepped up, many donating food, drinks and raffle items for the fundraiser. 

"The project just grew legs and went off on its own," LaPlante said. 

LaPlante estimates that more than 70 people came out to the event throughout the afternoon and evening. 

Among those attending were members of the Day family, including Dominik. LaPlante said he loved the live music at the event. 

"He was so happy," she said. 

Beth Day's mother Joan said she is grateful for all the support. 

"I just think it's nice what everyone's doing for us," she said. "They're awesome." 

Another fundraiser for Baby Dominik will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 at The Flatbread Company. 

The restaurant will donate a percentage of each pizza sale to the family and live music will be featured. 

Donations can also be sent to Funds for Dominik, c/o Joanie Day, Collinsville Savings Society, P.O. Box 350, Canton, CT 06019.