More than 50 local community leaders ‘locked up’ for MDA
More than 50 local business owners and community leaders were “arrested” last week, to help raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
They were accused of “having a big heart for Jerry’s kids,” according to Marty Moorhead, local executive director for the MDA
The volunteers “served time” in a mock jail at Victory Lane Caf on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
“We do events in the community where we can help anytime possible,” said Danielle Hall, owner of Bayshore Physical Therapy & Massage, who participated in the event. “It’s just part of giving back to the area.”
“Kids really need this,” said Donna Debien, owner of Classic Concepts. “Small businesses do what we can do to also give back to the community.”
“Our event total was $33,588,” said Moorhead. “This was a $5,000 increase from the last time we did the event in 2006. We had 52 North Fort Myers jailbirds attend the event.”
The largest bail raiser was Terry Sobo from Nor-Tec who raised more than $7,500. The second top bail raiser was Keith Cothran from HPBC Inc. who raised $2,830 and third biggest bail raiser was Steven Rabinette from Total Payroll Management with $2,570.
The remaining top five included Kimberly Lunger, North Fort Myers High School principal, with $1,753 and Gary Simmons, vice president of Gulf Coast Transportation of FL. with $1,630.
Participants were asked to “raise bail” by calling friends and associates to help advance MDA’s lifesaving programs. The event was hosted by sponsor by Victory Lane Caf.
Transportation to the mock jail was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office with Deputy Jarrod Cantrell and Elite Limousine, said Moorhead.
Several other local businesses supported the event, with “jail house” cellular phones provided by Metro PCS and mug shot photos courtesy of the Tall Cedars.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. In addition to funding ground-breaking research, MDA maintains some 230 clinics nationwide, including one at Lee Memorial Hospital, local support groups, and a summer camp for kids with muscle-wasting diseases at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon.
MDA is the first nonprofit recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity.
Allison Morse is the fund-raising coordinator. For information, call the Muscular Dystrophy Association of SWFL at 437-6900. The local office is located at 6225 Presidential Ct. Suite B in Fort Myers. The MDA Web site is mda.org.