Gaffney business leaders will be charged and arrested Thursday

The annual Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Lock-Up will be held at Sagebrush Steakhouse in Gaffney on Thursday, May 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Many Gaffney business leaders are recruited for this fundraiser. Officers "arrest" them at work and bring them to a mock jail. They appear before a judge, and are fingerprinted and photographed. Their bail is set at $2,500.

Pam Swartwood, MDA program coordinator (also known as "the warden"), said that many business leaders pre-raise the money in their communities and through secure online donations. She said about 85-95 businesses usually participate.

"The 'jailbirds' are allowed to use palm pilots and cell phones while in jail to raise money," she said. "We also give them 'jailhouse grub.'"

When the bail is paid, officers escort the "jailbirds" back to work. Sometimes they stay in the jail cell to raise more money.

Trey Kelly, office manager of HB Kelly Insurance, is a second year participant. He says knowing that he is helping people is what he enjoys most about the program.

Kelly's cousin was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy about 19 years ago and

0 is now confined to a wheelchair.

"The MDA has always been there for him," Kelly said. "It's amazing what they do."

He says that being a part of the MDA lockup is a way for him to give back.

Gaffney participants raised $47,468 during last year's event.