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N.C. Employment Security Commission Manager Bobbi Wessling holds up a round of cornbread that holds a key in the center made by her employees for the MDA Lock-Up yesterday. The card read, “Water for thirst, bread for hunger, breaking the bread is your path to freedom.”
“We love Mount Airy,” was the sentiment of organizers of the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Lock-Up which sent 121 law-abiding citizens to jail Wednesday until they raised enough bail money to get out of jail.
Autumn Hume, Health Care Services coordinator with MDA, said they set a goal of raising $45,000, but nearly $50,000 was raised by the end of the day.
The MDA let those who were going to be locked up to start fund raising early and told participants to try to raise $2,400, but Hume said, they were grateful to the community for even the smallest donation.
The two top fund raisers for the day were Sherman Sheppard with $1,345 and Tangie Badgett with $1,245.
Twyla Sickmiller, owner of 308 Bistro, not only provided the space for the fundraiser, but also fed the inmates as well.
“We can’t thank Twyla and 308 Bistro enough for all that they have done. They have truly made this event a success,” said Brittne Stevens, executive director of the MDA.
The last fundraiser held by the MDA in Mount Airy was in January of 2006. Hume said she thought donations then were only about half what they were Wednesday.
Scenic Ford, Patterson Chrysler Dodge and Enterprise Rent-A-Car all donated vehicles that were used to pick-up the jailbirds and haul them off to the clink. Once prisoners entered the fundraising area, they had their mug shots taken behind bars and were read their rights. Cell phones and phone books were provided to those trying to raise enough money to get out of jail. The typical stay of inmates was about one hour.
In addition to the good-spirit of the prisoners, there were about 20 volunteers including some Mount Airy firefighters and one Mount Airy Police officer.
Stevens said she is impressed with the effort from the Mount Airy firefighters. She said they raised three times the amount this year than they did last year with the Fill the Boot campaign during the Autumn Leaves Festival. That money also goes to MDA.
“I’m just amazed at the amount of support we’ve seen in this area,” Hume said.
Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.
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