I got arrested and thrown in jail this week.

OK, so that’s a bit more dramatic than the truth, which is that I took part in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Mid Coast Lock Up to raise funds for the organization. I got picked up Wednesday by a lovely woman named Barbara, who “arrested” me and brought me to “jail,” also known as Sea Dog Brewing in Topsham.

There I got my picture taken behind bars (see accompanying photo for the evidence) and met Jared, a 10- year-old boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, one of nine types of muscular dystrophy. Jared (also shown in the accompanying photo) serves as the Jr. Maine Goodwill Ambassador, being part of events like the MDA Lock Up.

I also met Brittni, my MDA fundraising coach, who I hadn’t previously met. I should commend Britni on her work, she communicated to me throughout the weeks leading up to the event, urging my fundraising efforts and offering suggestions on things I could do to get the word out. I did not communicate back very well, but she should know that I heard every message and appreciated her effort.

The purpose of the Lock Up events is to raise money for treatment therapies, equipment and research of muscular dystrophy. Among the more specific things for which we were raising funds included flu shots, physical/occupational therapy sessions, support group sessions, minutes of research, repairs of durable medical equipment, multidisciplinary clinic sessions and the fee for one child to spend a week at the MDA Summer Camp.

It’s really a great idea for a fund raising event, to get local residents to raise money through their networks, helping provide financial support for the MDA’s work to help those with muscular dystrophy.

It was interesting to see who else was taking part, with a number of town and local business representatives on hand to lend a hand. With energetic people working for MDA of Maine there to help us along as everyone called, texted and emailed their last few contacts searching for a few more dollars, a DJ provided the upbeat soundtrack for the environment and the event had exuded a positive mindset.

Prior to the Lock Up, I contacted friends and family to help contribute to my cause, a hefty bail set at $2,500, a lofty goal for someone not a fundraiser by nature. My friends and family were generous in their giving, contributing more than I could have expected. Knowing how challenging things can be financially, I understand how hard it can be to spare a few dollars. I also know that my friends and family supported me enthusiastically in my cause – my daughter even donated from her piggy bank.

I thank everyone for your donations and messages, it meant a lot to me to have people contribute what they could.

As I’ve previously reported in this space, I’m new, so I am still getting to know people and the communities. The last thing I wanted to do – or felt comfortable doing – was asking people I’ve just met for money. As I sat at the table, trying to figure out who to contact next, I was approached by Barbara, the lovely woman who “arrested” me up earlier. She knew I was new in town through our conversation on the ride over and, since I didn’t know people in the community, she wanted to donate to spring me from the pokey. Barbara also brought over another woman, Diane, who also contributed to my cause.

Their donations meant a lot, and not just because they helped me raise some more funds for the MDA. Their generosity, shown to a someone they didn’t even know, is a spirit I continue to find here. It makes me feel good about living in this area, and I’m looking forward to my opportunity to pay it forward.

I’m sure I’ll find plenty of chances to do that during the coming year, and I’m looking forward to getting arrested again next year.

———

While I didn’t hit my goal, I enjoyed taking part in the event and was happy to find out that there is still time to give. So, if any of our readers are interested in supporting the local Lock Up event, here is a link to my donation page: http://www2.mda.org/site/T R/Lock-Up/11-310-MaineDistrict? px=2248176&pg=personal& fr_ id=10359. Or, if you know another fellow jailbird, but weren’t able to donate to their bail yet, there is a link at the top of the page to “Find A Jailbird” that allows you to search for the name of a person you know.