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Income
Outcome
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A lot of people talk about supporting schools, but few have put their money where their mouths are to the extent that Eugene Smith has. Smith is not a wealthy man, but he’s already helped 20 young people go to college. It’s his own version of an investment fund. | ||
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Income Outcome – Story:
A toxic mix of drugs and fear once ruled this Indianapolis neighborhood.
Frank Sablan / Pastor, Broadway United Methodist Church: “Well, when I came in ’96, the pastor before me had had a gun put to his head.”
Broadway United Methodist Church was surrounded by trouble.
Eugene Smith / Scholarship Founder: “They were dealing drugs on every corner and shootings and people were getting killed in the neighborhood.”
To help keep the peace, the church hired Eugene Smith, who works full time for the sheriff’s department.
Eugene Smith: “I worked there for a week and they gave me a paycheck and I gave it back to them and told them I didn’t want the money.”
What Smith wanted was to help.
Eugene Smith: “I told the church to give the money to the community.”
For six years, Smith, who has a family of his own, has refused the $10,000 a year the church has offered.
Eugene Smith: “I’m no rich man. Matter of fact, I’m a poor man, but I couldn’t think of a better use than what the money’s being used for.”
His donated salary has already helped more than 20 college-bound students fulfill their dreams.
Brook Gilbert / Eugene Smith Scholarship Recipient: “With the scholarship, I was able to afford books, you know. I go to school each semester and not have to worry about book expenses.”
Raised on a farm in Mississippi, Eugene Smith is no stranger to hardship. He hopes his gesture will send a powerful message to kids who risk their lives for money.
Eugene Smith: “So they won’t be out there thinking that they have to get money by selling drugs and committing crimes and stuff like that. Because the most important thing in life is their life.”
Income Outcome – Tag:
Four members of the class of 2003 will receive Eugene Smith scholarships this year.
Broadway United Methodist Church designates a special collection every May to go toward the fund.