Charitable citizens detained as temporary inmates in Parma for MDA fundraiser

PARMA, Ohio - On Wednesday, 80 northeast Ohio business and political leaders donned prison, black and white attire and had their picture taken behinds bars.

It was all done for a good cause to benefit the Cleveland chapter of Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Local leaders were "arrested" at their place of work, accused of having a big heart, and transported to Stancato's Italian Restaurant in Parma where they were detained to raise money for MDA.

Each 'inmate" was allowed more than one call. They called family, friends and co-workers to make donations to help make the bail goal of $2,400.

Instead of just bread and water, each "inmate" dined on salad, pizza and pasta.

The goal of the MDA Lock-Up fundraiser was to collect $40,000 in donations to help finance MDA support group sessions, clinics and funding for research.

Sonny Kubat, owner of Sonny's Auto Sales in Cleveland, closed his business Wednesday for a couple of hours to participate. Sonny's brother passed away from Muscular Dystrophy 15 years ago. He is active in MDA fundraising.

"A lot of nice people. Good donations," said Kubat. "It's for a great cause and we just have to do it more often."

The MDA Lock-Up program is a national fundraiser that's done throughout the year in different communities.

Local MDA leaders were grateful for the generosity of those who participated and donated.

"We couldn't support the families like we do," said Cleveland MDA fundraising coordinator Katie Zavatchan. "We couldn't do things like send kids back to Camp Cheerful without people helping us out in the local community."