Providence Holds Telethon Executive Lock Up

Local business leaders will be heading to “jail” on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from noon to 3 p.m. at McFadden’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 McFadden’s, located at 52 Pine St., Providence, R.I. 02903, 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 $2,000 in bail money.

Local “jailbirds” will raise bail money, all of which benefits the fight against neuromuscular disease. This year the local MDA set a goal to raise $40,000 at the event.

During the Lock Up, challenges will be set and prizes will be awarded. Prizes have been donated by Alayne White Spa, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Dave & Buster’s, Newport Playhouse & Cabaret, Scrumptions, Newport Playhouse and Cabaret, Eastside Marketplace, and more.

To date, the top three jailbirds have each raised over $1,000. The highest fundraising “jailbirds” include Gina Clapprood of Manpower with $1,390, Bob Fay of Freedom National Bank with $1,064, and Debbie Kenny of Burns & Cotter with $1,030

The Providence Lock Up has been designated a Telethon Lock-Up Event. “Jailbirds” can sell two Gold Telethon Stars for $500 each and sell four Silver Telethon Stars for $250 each. The company or individual will be announced on the live local broadcast of the MDA Labor Day telethon as a Gold/Silver Star Sponsor. The MDA Labor Day Telethon will air locally on ABC6 on Sunday, September 4, 2011 from 6 p.m. to midnight. A Telethon Star purchase is a tax-deductible with a bonus on-air credit showing their goodwill to the community.

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”, please contact Jane Young at (401) 732-1910 or jmyoung@mdausa.org or Valerie D’Angiolini at (203) 288-3500 or vdangiolini@mdausa.org.