WHAT: Call for Volunteers for Graffiti Cleanup  

WHEN: Saturday, May 21^st,   9:30 – 11:30 a.m. cleanup

WHERE: LaTrobe Park in the French Market, 1000 Decatur 

May 17, 2011  New Orleans, LA- As many are aware, the French Quarter Business Association (FQBA), along with other prominent French Quarter groups have implemented an effort dubbed Vieux Carre Graffiti Abatement Program or VC-GAP. 

 We need help!

This is our call to action to all those passionate about making the French Quarter graffiti free.  We are reaching out to concerned citizens willing to participate in a “hands-on” positive neighborhood beautification effort.  To get involved in this effort, please join us on Saturday, May 21^st.    

How can you participate? 

There are opportunities as group leaders as well as hands on workers to participate in this community wide cleanup. 

 How does it work?

Volunteers receive a work t-shirt (while supplies last) and all cleaning products and tools for the cleanup. With the tools and instructions in hand, volunteers spread out through the quarter and remove as many marks as possible. With this initiative the French Quarter community hopes to spark a neighborhood and city wide perspective that the graffiti problem is not as insurmountable as once presumed.  It is a real community issue that businesses, activists, residents and volunteers are willing to face head on.  Over one hundred volunteers took to the streets last summer on two separate cleanup days.  They not only removed unsightly graffiti, but also had an enjoyable time exploring the streets of our historic neighborhood with old friends and new friends.  They went with a passion to eradicate some of the unsightly marks that offend our visitors, businesses and residents. Our effort is solely a community action plan to eradicate graffiti from the Vieux Carre.  This event is generously supported by Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Café Du Monde, French Market Corporation, French Quarter Citizens & Pat O’Brien’s.  

To volunteer or donate contact the FQBA office at 504.309.1423 or email  graffiti at fqba.org. For more information, please visit our website www.fqba.org. Donations to the effort are also graciously appreciated.  Everyone can help!