'Arrest' of local leaders benefits MDA

Prominent Carroll County citizens were accused of "having a big heart for Jerry's kids."

They volunteered to be "arrested and serve time" in a mock jail at the Wabash & Erie Canal Center on March 21.

Everyone worked hard, calling friends and business associates to raise $13,957 in charitable contributions to benefit the local programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The MDA Lock-Up, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., was hosted by the Canal Center. Each participant was sentenced to "raise bail" by calling friends and encouraging contributions to advance MDA's lifesaving programs.

Several local businesses supported the community event, with "jailbird" transportation provided by the Carroll County Sheriff's Department and Lafayette Limo, and jailhouse food provided by the Landmark Restaurant and IGA.

More than 40 Carroll County area executives and civic leaders served their sentences "behind bars" for MDA. Among the bail raisers were Randy Toleman, Indiana Packers Corp.; Ron Francis, Carroll County Highway Dept.; Mark Frey, Singletree Transportation Inc.; and Andrea Miller, Carroll County Voter Registration.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services, and farreaching professional and public health education. MDA maintains some 230 clinics nationwide, including ones at I.U., Methodist, and Riley Hospitals in Indianapolis. It also provides local support groups and a summer camp for kids with muscle-wasting diseases at Happy Hollow in Nashville, Ind.

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."

Anyone interested in planning or participating in an MDA event, or nominating someone to participate, can contact the local MDA office at (317) 824-4805.