Community Corner

Mayor Among 50 'Jailed' for Muscular Dystrophy Drive

The Mattabasett Canoe Club hosted business people from throughout Greater Middletown for its annual MDA Lock-Up, which raised funds for adults and children in living with neuromuscular disease.

 

was among 50 who were "arrested" at their place of business after being served a warrant, donned prison stripes, slipped into handcuffs and stood behind bars Thursday for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Lock-Up at the .

In less than 30 minutes and just a handful of phone calls, Drew was "released" from jail after raising enough funds to send two children to camp.

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Spirits were high among the other jailbirds, including: Geen Thazhampallath, Middletown Parking Department Director; Maria Paquette, owner of the Middletown Roller Skating Rink; David Sizemore, assistant principal Xavier High School; Yvonne Ledoux, vice president of Plastic Design International Attorney Christine Dorsey; Joseph Childs of Sterling Realtors and Dale Azevedo, pastor, Middlefield Federated Church.

Upon arriving at “jail” to serve their time, a generous buffet — devoid of bread and water — was served while each tried to raise money by calling friends, business contacts and family to bail them out. Throughout the afternoon, MDA volunteers offered incentives for "jailbirds" to raise more, such as books and gift certificates for dry cleaning and a massage.

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Meriden Hyundai and AmRide of Rocky Hill provided rides to and from the canoe club.

Today's goal was $120,000. Donations are still being taken for the next 90 days online by clicking here.

Funds raised today for the Hamden MDA will be used for:

  • Worldwide research
  • Multidisciplinary medical clinics
  • MDA summer camps
  • Support groups
  • Flu shots
  • Support and hope

For more information about this event please contact Kristine Cohen at (203) 288-3500 or kcohen@mdausa.org.

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