Business and community leaders from the Amarillo area were “locked up” today at Texas Roadhouse.

While “behind bars” they worked on raising money for “bail” to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

Funds raised will help free kids and adults from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that take away physical strength and mobility.

Jailbirds turned themselves in and some were served “MDA warrants” by off-duty APD officers.

Dozens have volunteered to go behind bars as part of MDA’s fundraising program.

During the event, participants, called jailbirds, were locked up for one hour as they attempted to raise bail by calling on their friends, family, and colleagues to contribute to MDA’s life-saving mission. 

“Many MDA families in Amarillo are faced with the daily challenges brought on by the effects of diseases like muscular dystrophy, ALS, and spinal muscular atrophy. Everyday freedoms like walking, talking and even breathing can be taken away by these muscle-debilitating diseases,” said Amarillo Director of Business Development, Chelsea Nichols.  “With support from our generous Lock-Up participants and community members, we can help change that by raising critical funds and awareness that will help kids and adults break free from the barriers that these life-threatening diseases often bring.”

More than 300 Lock-Up events are expected to take place throughout the U.S. in 2017.

Last year, dedicated participants raised $10.3 million through Lock-Up for MDA.

Last year the Amarillo Jailbirds raised almost $20,000 and have the goal of $25,000 this year.

Every dollar raised through Lock-Up benefits MDA’s mission to fund groundbreaking research across diseases and provide individuals with life-enhancing programs and support services, including state-of-the-art multidisciplinary care at the MDA Care Centers located throughout the state of Texas.

Funds raised also make MDA Summer Camp possible for local kids, where they can experience the best week of the year at no cost to their families at Plains Baptist Assembly Camp in Floydada, Texas.

To learn more about the Lock-Up program and how to get involved, contact Amarillo Director of Business Development at 806-401-4213 or cnichols@mdausa.org, or visit mda.org/lockup.