Gambit has joined other local organizations in an effort to raise funds for the victims of the Mother’s Day shooting in New Orleans. Nineteen people were wounded in the shooting on May 12, including Gambit contributor Deborah Cotton.

A benefit concert featuring local bands will be held on Thursday, with proceeds going to a newly created fund:

All proceeds from the May 23 benefit concert — and all funds raised by The 19 Fund — will be turned over to United Way, which will serve as fiscal agent for The 19 Fund at no charge. Silence Is Violence will coordinate victim services, which will include financial aid as well as help accessing other free and discounted social services from governmental and nonprofit sources. Details of how The 19 Fund will provide assistance to the 19 victims of the May 12 shooting (and future victims) are available on the Ticketweb page for the concert.

The benefit concert has drawn support from several notable entertainers. Fats Domino, actor Wendell Pierce of HBO’s “Tremé” series, and Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr. have volunteered to serve as honorary co-chairs of the benefit. Harrison also will perform with his band, The Congo Square Nation, in full Mardi Gras Indian dress. Other performers include The Hot 8 Brass Band, The Stooges Brass Band and Bonerama. Tipitina’s Foundation is lining up additional performers, who will be announced in the coming days.

All proceeds of the benefit — 100 percent of ticket and drink sales — will go to The 19 Fund to assist victims.