MDA 'locks up' leaders to raise funds

If you’ve ever wanted to visit local business leaders in jail, Aug. 10 might be your chance.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is holding its annual Columbus Executive Lock Up. The fundraiser recruits various business leaders throughout the area, asking them to raise $2,600 in “bail” that will benefit the MDA.

On Aug. 10, these leaders will be “arrested” and taken to their “jail cells” at the RiverMill Event Centre. There, these community leaders will have their mug shots taken and enjoy breakfast or lunch until their bail is made.

Laura West, executive director of the MDA office in Macon, Ga., said if the participant has not raised the $2,600, they will be able to call friends and family to donate to the cause.

The MDA’s goal that day is to raise $130,000, a goal the group met last year.

In addition to food, there will also be a DJ and door prizes. The public is welcome to come and observe or donate between the 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“It’s been wonderful (in past years),” said West, who noted that funds will be used to help MDA provide support groups, medical services, wheelchair and leg brace maintenance, research for a cure and will help send children with MD to a week-long summer camp.

Martha Noyes was asked to participate in the lock up last year, but had to decline. So when she was approached again this year, the director of Phenix City-Russell County Library was more than willing to help out.

“I think it’s a cute thing to get your attention,” Noyes said of the fundraiser’s “jail” theme.

She’s already sent out e-mails to her friends and family and has set up a container at the library for donations.

“It’s for a good cause,” said Noyes, who added that she’d do anything to help the kids, even though she’s a little nervous about raising almost $3,000. “I don’t know if I have that many people who want to keep me out of jail!”

While MDA raises funds throughout the year, the group is most closely associated with the Jerry Lewis telethon, which will take place 6 p.m.-midnight Sunday, Sept. 4. It will broadcast on WRBL.

“The telethon brings the whole year (of fundraising) together,” said West.

Other local fundraisers

Fort Benning’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation department is partnering with the Feds Feed Families Food Drive to stock local food pantries. Canned and non-perishable foods, hygiene items, household goods and paper products can be dropped off at Sayers Library, Army Community Service and recreation centers on Kelley Hill, Sand Hill and Harmony Church through the end of August. MWR will deliver the donated food to Columbus Wellness Center and Feeding the Valley Food Bank. For more information, call 706-545-3328.

The local Alzheimer’s Association is preparing for the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will take place Oct. 29 in uptown Columbus. The group’s goal is to raise $100,000 this year. Sponsorships, donations and team registrations are currently being accepted. For more information, call 706-327-6836.

This story was originally published August 2, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "MDA 'locks up' leaders to raise funds."