Local people 'locked up' for a good cause

MOUNT PLEASANT - A local barber, a Mount Pleasant councilman and the Mount Pleasant code enforcement officer are just three of 136 people who will spend an hour in jail on March 12 if they do not raise $3,500.

They will all be participating in a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) fund-raiser called the Mount Pleasant Lock-Up, sponsored by Leo's Pub & Grill.

The bail is set at $3,500 because that's the amount it takes to send about seven children to MDA Summer Camp; $1,500 sends about three children.

Muscular Dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease that is characterized by progressive degeneration of voluntary muscles, and all money raised will benefit local individuals and families living with neuromuscular diseases.

According to Debbie Nutter, who owns Leo's Pub & Grill along with her husband, Mike Nutter, they host the lock-up as a way to give back to the community.

"We have a very good business and great employees and we have family who helps when we need it, so this just seemed to be something we could do to give back," she said.

Debbie Nutter also said she was not sure if there would be an actual jail, but the "convicts" would be held in the old bar part of the restaurant.

She added that MDA representatives would be coming to the restaurant early the morning of March 12 to set up for the event.

Ron Aldom, the borough's code enforcement officer, will participate this year because he believes it's a good charity and it's a good community event.

"Leo's is a good business in the borough and they've helped us out," said Aldom, who added that he's not sure how much he's raised so far, but he'll more than likely spend the hour in jail.

So what will he do while he's in jail?

"I'll probably talk," he said, smiling.

Coke Yancosky, a local barber, and Mario Fontanazza, borough employee, also are unsure as to how much money they've raised, but are happy to help a good cause.

"I figure any little bit I can do is helping them out," said Yankosky, who has been donating all of his tips for the cause.

Councilman Joe Bauer will also be a face that can be seen at Leo's on March 12. He plans on getting donations from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3368 in town, where he is post commander.

The person who raises the most money will have the opportunity to represent the Mount Pleasant lock-up on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.