New Haven Telethon Executive Lock Up

Local business leaders will be heading to “jail” on Thursday, August 18, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Leon’s Restaurant in order to raise their “bail” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Community business leaders will be arrested at their place of business and transported to Leon’s Restaurant, located at 500 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, Conn 06511, to serve their time at the local MDA Lock-Up. The “jailbirds” will be served complimentary “jail” food, while they each attempt to raise at least $2,400 in bail money.

Last year, local “jailbirds” raised over $36,000 in bail money, all of which went towards the fights against neuromuscular disease. This year the local MDA has set a goal to raise $50,000 at the event.

Steve MacLaughlin, Meteorologist for WTNH, will be the Master of Ceremonies at the event. He hosted the Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy at WPHL in Philadelphia and KXAS in North Texas. MacLaughlin remains active with MDA throughout the year.

The “jailbirds” are asked to spend a minimum of one hour, but encouraged to stay longer. There will be contests and prizes throughout the hour.

This is the second time the New Haven Lock-Up has been designated a Telethon Lock-Up Event. Any donation of $250-$499 will be awarded a Silver Star and any donation of $500 or more will be given a Gold Star. These “stars” will be featured on the live broadcast of the MDA local Labor Day Telethon broadcasted by FOX 61 on Sunday, September 4, and Monday, September 5, 2011.

MDA is the nonprofit healthy agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related disease by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

For more information on this event or to register as a “jailbird” (or help fundraise for one), please contact Stephen Fredericksen at (203) 248-6500 or sfredericksen@mdausa.org, Chasity Bothman at (203)248-6500 or cbothman@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org.