Happy to be 'jailed'
Local area business owners were put behind bars on June 25. The bail: $2,500. The charge: a much too generous spirit. The Muscular Dystrophy Association hosted a lock-up at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse to raise funds benefiting Jerry’s Kids. The event began at 9 a.m. Volunteering to spend one hour "in jail" until their bail monies were raised, 62 business owners, such as Bill Yagers of Bill Yagers Financial, participated. He raised $1,100. Dr. Geoff Kanter stepped behind the bars, too. Created Gems co-owner Barbi Edwards put a large advertisement in the newspaper to raise her $2,500, which she did earn early in the event. She participates in the lock-up because it’s a "most worthwhile cause." Edwards said she always wants to give back to the community and part of her motivation is her son, who has a lifelong, chronic illness. "This is for the kids," she said, "… not for me or for my business." Photos by Christine Makar.
Barbie Edwards (center), co-owner of Created Gems, shows off her handcuffs for Erin Authier (l.) and Cindy Kuyper, both directors of MDA. Photo by Mark Edwards.
Bill Yagers (l.) gets handcuffed during his MDA jail time.
Dr. Geoff Kanter sports a smile as he waits on sufficient bail for release.