(MOBILE, Ala.) - Friends and loved ones of Wendy Fisher came together Tuesday night in Downtown Mobile to pay tribute to the life of a mother of two, and raise money on her behalf.
At the same time, her neighbors met at St. John's United Methodist Church on Overlook Road to keep future crimes like this from happening in their community.
Wendy Fisher was fatally shot in front of her home earlier in July after arguing with a passenger in a car speeding through her neighborhood. The alleged gunman, 17-year-old Trayon Washington was charged with murder in the case.
Mobile Radio Station WZEW held a silent auction and benefit concert at the Soul Kitchen on Dauphin Street to raise money for Fisher's children Tuesday night, and musicians were happy to help out.
"Even though I didn't know her personally, I knew a lot of people who did know her," Musician Eric Erdman said. "So I felt kind of obliged to come out and help."
"I think that's the main reason everyone's out here is, obviously, it's for the kids," Musician Ben Cook said.
Fisher's parents were more than appreciative of the support for their grandchildren.
"They've reached out to us, they've hugged us, anything we need they're there for us," Carol Fisher, Wendy's mother, said, "and they're like a family."
Miles away from Downtown Mobile, near Fisher's neighborhood on Racine Avenue, Mobile City leaders held a forum for area residents who want a community watch there.
"It is totally unacceptable," Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory said of Fisher's death, "and I think that the way this entire community feels."
Racine Avenue Resident Jalaine Peterson said a community watch would only benefit their neighborhood still healing from the tragedy.
"It gives you the opportunity to learn who your neighbors are," Peterson said, "and to be alert when there are criminal elements in the neighborhood."
Wendy Fisher's family is happy to know that, despite their daughter's death, a community could be stronger and closer.
"We want this situation with our lives to make a difference," Carol Fisher said, "to make a positive impact, to make a turnaround."
