FORT SMITH, Ark. — Every year the Christ the King Carnival raises about $100,000 to fund programs and education initiatives for Fort Smith students. Along with food, games, and fun, the carnival also provides a silent auction, but a wrench was thrown into their preparations this week.
“I’m honestly just shocked at the audacity,” said Carnival Chairman Ashley Forsgen.
On Monday night around 7:30 p.m., a man and a woman can be seen on security footage pulling a U-Haul truck to the front doors of the school and stealing items donated by local business owners that were placed in that area in preparation for the silent auction this weekend.
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“When somebody comes in and steals, it doesn't just impact us and the money that could have been raised, it impacts the small business owner that was so generous in donating to us,” said Forsgen.
Forsgen said they haven’t taken full inventory yet, but the church knows at least $400 worth of items were stolen.
“It's all replaceable, but it's stolen from kids, and stolen from a church,” Forsgen said. “You’re stealing from the small businesses that used their precious time to help us grow.”
But the show must go on. Forsgen and the church say they’re thankful to the community for showing support during this difficult time, “We just hope that people come on out because we're not going to let these bad guys get us down.”
Christ of King has filed a police report, and 5NEWS reached out to Fort Smith police to see if they have any leads.
At this time, the two suspects do not seem to be connected with the church. If you know anything about this burglary, or you recognize the two suspects, you are asked to contact the Fort Smith Police Department.
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