Fundraiser to help Tulsa shooting victims

By the Associated Press

Published: October 13, 2008

TULSA -- A local photo studio has organized a fundraiser to help cover the medical expenses of the families of two teenagers who were severely wounded in a fatal drive-by shooting last month.

By purchasing a $10 coupon, families can get a sitting with a Color Craft Studios photographer and a 10-by-13-inch family portrait. The proceeds will help pay the medical bills and other costs incurred by the families of Adrion Crutcher, 16, and Jeremy Williams, 18.

Crutcher was paralyzed from the chest down in the Sept. 7 shooting that police have characterized as a case of mistaken identity. Crutcher's brother, Donivan, who was 16, died.

Adrion Crutcher is presently undergoing treatment at Craig Hospital in Denver, a rehabilitation center. An air ambulance ride there cost $9,000 and isn't covered by insurance.

It's not known if he will walk again, but he's expected to remain hospitalized for several months.

Williams lost his left eye in the shooting, and he still doesn't have any feeling in his right arm. Doctors hope to perform reconstructive surgery within the next few weeks.

Another relative, Jahmal Bryant, 17, was also seriously injured, but his recovery will not require as many long-term expenses as Adrion Crutcher's and Williams', said the Crutcher brothers' grandfather, the Rev. Joey Crutcher.

Margaret Woodard and Lynetta Williams, longtime friends of the teens' families, are sponsoring the family portrait fundraiser.

"We knew these families since before these boys were born. We have long-established relationships," Lynetta Williams said. "We knew they were good boys, and we watched them grow up in the church. They are a positive influence they weren't involved with gangs and then this happened to them."

The women chose this form of fundraiser because they know many people don't take the time to have current family portraits made.

"It serves a dual purpose. It helps two young men in our community who are in need, and it is a way families can come together and get a family keepsake," Williams said.

Those who buy a coupon will receive an appointment for a sitting. The sittings for the portraits will be scheduled for Oct. 25-26 at Rudisill Regional Library in north Tulsa. Depending on the demand, additional days may be added, Williams said.

To purchase coupons or for additional information, call Margaret Woodard at 425-5961 or Lynetta Williams at (918) 402-9630.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

Comments