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AMERICORPS WORKER WHO WAS SHOT RETURNING TO NEW ORLEANS

Section: Community

Media contact: James Hartman, 504.458.4600

An AmeriCorps worker based at a Hollygrove non-profit organization who was shot in March after chasing two would-be thieves who were trying to steal another employee’s car will be returning to New Orleans this weekend to attend a fundraiser and give interviews.

Mark Smith, 23, of Pittsburgh, PA, was completing a 10-month stint for AmeriCorps with Trinity Christian Community, a Hollygrove-based organization that recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Smith and another AmeriCorps worker at TCC, both of whom have been living at the organization’s Community Center on Joliet Street, returned to the building at about 9 p.m. on March 24. When they arrived at the Center they intercepted an attempted vehicle theft in progress and gave chase to the perpetrators. After crossing Airline Highway, one of the criminals turned and shot Smith twice.

The other worker dragged Smith to Airline Highway and flagged down a passing motorist who called emergency responders. After 15 days in a New Orleans hospital, Smith returned to Pittsburgh last Spring.

This weekend, Smith will return to New Orleans. On Sunday, from 3-6 p.m., local volunteers will hold a fundraiser for Smith at Rock N Bowl, 4133 S. Carrollton Avenue, to help defray his remaining medical expenses. Tickets are $35.

Smith will arrive in New Orleans on Thursday afternoon and will be available for local media interviews.

“Violence is threatening to destroy our city,” said Rev. Kevin Brown, Executive Director of TCC. “Katrina couldn’t destroy the spirit of New Orleans, and the work of Mark Smith and thousands of others has been a testament to the resolve of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. But nearly three years after the storm, the city is still dependent on volunteers and AmeriCorps workers like Mark to advance our recovery.

“Crimes such as this have the potential to discourage others from coming to New Orleans and to continue assisting with our recovery efforts. Violence begets violence, and can do what Katrina could not if we don’t all stand together. We are all anxious to see Mark again and applaud his ongoing commitment to restoring New Orleans.”

Media contact: James Hartman, 504.458.4600

AMERICORPS WORKER WHO WAS SHOT RETURNING TO NEW ORLEANS

Section: Community

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