Lock up a huge success

Some of Carson City's business owners found themselves behind bars Tuesday and calling all their friends to raise bail to benefit 250 Northern Nevada families of children with muscular dystrophy.

Local business and community leaders agreed to be "arrested for having a big heart" in the Muscular Dystrophy Associations annual fund-raiser.

Detainees were held at Red's Old 395 Bar and Grill, given cell phones to make their calls and served lunch courtesy of the restaurant.

Bail was set at $1,050, just enough money to send two children to an annual summer camp in Lake Tahoe.

"Carson City is the biggest lock-up we've done in Nevada," said volunteer Katherine Leonard of Sparks. "What that tells me is this a very community-minded and caring place. I am really impressed with the response. People here are so willing and eager to give from the heart."

Jeff Walter from Sierra Closet Design was one of those involved in Tuesday's event. Unfortunately, he was having a tough time raising the funds.

"I'm calling friends and family, but its easier to get money from my friends since my family told me to stay in here," he said, grinning. By 1:30 p.m. he'd raised a paltry $350. "I'll get the bail by closing time."

Walter's wife is a special education aide for Douglas County Schools, which prompted his involvement. This was his first time being a part of the fund-raiser, but not his last.

"I'd do this again. This is definitely a great way to raise money."

About 127 people before Walter were arrested and posted bail. The group estimated that since their first arrest at 9 a.m. they'd raised more than $26,000.

Muscular dystrophy is an inherited group of muscle disorders which cause a slow but progressive degeneration of the muscles.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association offers medical resources and clinic operations, support groups and an annual summer camp for kids.