"When the tornadoes happened, I was able to put on my gloves and help. When KKK (came to town), I was able to protest. But with this situation, I didn't know how to help," said Zack Sliver, a local musician who, like many, had friends in the Oregon District the morning of the shooting.
Tiffany Clark, Atalie Gagnet and Sliver set up a GoFundMe fundraiser page to raise money for a mural that will keep memories of the victims alive.
After Silver teamed up with Gagnet and Clark, artists who have created some of Dayton's most recognizable murals and works of art, the team decided the goal was to create an uplifting piece that remembered the victims but was also beautiful and helped survivors move forward.
The nine victims of the shooting were Lois Oglesby, 27; Megan Betts, 22; Saeed Saleh, 38; Derrick Fudge, 57; Logan Turner, 30; Nicholas Cumer, 25; Thomas McNichols, 25; Beatrice Warren-Curtis, 36; and Monica Brickhouse, 39.
The plan is for the mural to be located in the alley near Blind Bob’s where the gunman walked through and killed the first victim. Clark said they are not sure exactly on which side of the alley the mural will be.
“I feel like it’s healing when we change the environment and change what it looks like it. Then we can create new memories easier. So if we make it a beautiful space for them (Dayton), again while still commemorating the people (victims), I feel like it’s the right and only thing to do to help my friends,” Clark said.
People can donate to the fundraiser at Mural For Dayton Shooting Victims at gofundme.com.
The fundraiser has a set goal of $6,500 and will provide for paint, materials and artists’ labor. All additional funds not used for the mural will be donated to the families of the victims.
The artists say they have approval from building owners on both sides of the alley and plan to request official permits from the city eventually.
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