Help Stop the Violence!
Lend a Hand with Ann's Campaign

Are you tired of constantly hearing about senseless violence and feeling helpless? Here’s something you can do to be part of the solution.

A Tragic Loss
On Saturday, March 29, 1997, Ann Marie Harris, the 17-year-old daughter of Coleman and Jean Harris of Alexandria, Virginia, was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Tacoma, Washington. Ann was in the Seattle/Tacoma area visiting a friend and her wonderful family, who had moved to the west coast from Alexandria just three years earlier. While driving home with three friends, Ann's vehicle was tailgated. The individual in the front passenger seat of the tailgating car fired a 9-mm semi-automatic hand gun at the rear of the car in which Ann was riding. The bullet ripped through her lower back and severed her aorta. Her last words to her good friends in Tacoma were, “I’m okay, I’m okay,” and then she lost consciousness. A team of surgeons worked feverishly for seven hours, but could not save Ann. She bled to death.

An individual has been charged with murder in the first degree and is in jail, awaiting an October 20th trial. Bail was set at $1 million cash.

Ann's Campaign
In the midst of all of the horrifying confusion, grief, depression and pain, the Harris family announced on April 2, 1997, and at all of her services (attended by more than 3,000 people), Ann’s Campaign for a Safer America. The focus of Ann’s Campaign is to encourage, motivate, educate and help youth and adults alike to live the life Ann radiated - a life that said every day and in every way: smile more, care more, love more and be more understanding.

The Harris family is making something positive out of this devastating nightmare. The family is speaking out and they are willing to personally share the campaign message in schools, at conferences and in other forums. Become a part of Ann’s Campaign. Encourage those with whom you come in contact to smile more, care more, love more and be more understanding.

What Has Happened Since
To those who have expressed concern and provided all kinds of support and prayers for the Harris family in the shocking loss of their daughter, thank you. This tragic loss came to a family, a school and a community on Easter weekend - just two months before high school graduation events. In mid-June, the Harris family attended the graduation ceremonies at Mount Vernon High School. Ann’s sisters, Cindy and Sandy, and brother, Greg, received her diploma. Her parents personally congratulated all the 1997 graduating seniors, except for one. Ann’s father, Coleman, was on stage in cap and gown, and was introduced as the PTA president, a role he has served in for three years. Ann’s mother, Jean, also has worked untiringly as president of the choral boosters and with many other special events and programs.

Since that tragic weekend, more than $13,000 has been received at Mount Vernon High School for the Ann Harris Student Development Fund. This is a remarkable and wonderful tribute to Ann and her family. Plans call for this fund to become an endowment with earnings to be used to help Mount Vernon students in perpetuity.

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