Nearly 30 local business leaders were headed to “jail” Tuesday to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association at Finnan’s Bar & Grill in Lockport.
To raise “bail,” volunteers sought donors to contribute to their “release.”
Some achieved their goal and were set free. Others continued to call their friends and family to contribute to the cause until the event ended at 4 p.m.
All money donated goes toward medicine, equipment, research and essentially sends a child with muscular dystrophy to summer camp.
Local MDA representatives said summer camp for the children is a week to get their minds off their troubles and get together with friends.
“They say it’s the best week of the year,” Coordinator Amanda Baumler said.
As for the “lock-up,” it’s an annual fundraising event in Lockport.
“We call up local business leaders to step in and help. They are always very enthusiastic about it,” Baumler said.
She said last year was their best year, with about $35,000 raised.
“This year, we hope to exceed that,” Baumler said. The final total will not come in for 45 days.
Baumler said the money donated goes to three clinics in Western New York: Erie County Medical Center, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Dent Neurological Institute.
“We do this for a good cause and to bring the community together,” said Executive Director Terrance Roberts. “It’s good to be a part of an organization that gives back.”
One of the most successful volunteers was Lockport attorney Patrick M. Balkin. In about 30 minutes, Balkin raised $1,075.
“I’ve been calling people who owe me favors,” Balkin said jokingly. “I just ask for a small amount of donation like $25 and am able to make deals over the phone with people I know.”
Some of the donors included City of Lockport police, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s assistant district attorneys.
Like most volunteers Tuesday, Michelle Hughes who represented Cause 4 Paws, had an MDA goal set at $1,600.
“I love helping. I guess that’s just my way of contributing to the community,” Hughes said.
Hughes said she was also lobbying for Relay For Life the last week and asked those who donated to the Relay to also help her with donations for MDA.
“The people I know are very giving in helping me out,” she said. “I’ve reached my goal!”
Contact reporter Britney Milazzo at 439-9222, ext. 6251.
Local News
Related Photos
-
LOCKED UP: Beth McCulloch of DF Travel, and Roger Chenez are “locked up,” to raise “bail,” or donations that go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The fundraising event was held at Finnan’s Bar and Grill in Lockport on Tuesday. Heather Grimmer/Contributor
'Locked up' for a good cause: The MDA
- Local News
-
-
Paying Respect
- Sense of resignation escorts AES tax pact
- Town considering WNYLC's request
-
Palace, Hartland get Greenway funding
The Historic Palace Theatre and the Town of Hartland both were cleared Tuesday to receive Niagara River Greenway funding for improvement projects.
The eight-member Host Communities Standing Committee voted unanimously to approve funding requests of $151,000 for the Palace and $244,000 for Hartland, which is planning a multi-phase town park enhancement project.
-
Erie Canal photo contest underway
The seventh annual Erie Canalway photo contest is under way.
Entries are being accepted now through Sept. 7. Winning photos will be published in the 2013 Erie Canalway calendar.
-
Jobless totals drop slightly
Unemployment in the Lockport area decreased slightly last month, but it wasn't because more people are going back to work.
The New York State Department of Labor reported Tuesday about 1,000 city residents were without a job in April, the fifth straight month with over 1,000 unemployed. That was down from the 1,100 it reported in March, however, the number of employed stayed the same at about 9,700 people.
-
Fishing for 'Ultimate' perks
Olcott teaming up with Ontario town in running for Canadian equivalent.
-
Sprinkler work coming
Piping in high school fire sprinkler system will be addressed in July.
-
Willow Street victim identified
The victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Willow Street on Saturday was identified by Lockport Police as Richard Boye, 46.
-
Cutting the travel time
For the most part, there is a lot of planning that goes into traveling. Some like to handle the details on their own, making arrangements on the phone or using travel websites to book hotels, planes, vehicles and so on.
But lately, working with a travel agent is becoming more popular.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
