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United Way of Lake County’s First Annual Jail & Bail Brings Community Together for Residents in Need
Mentor, OH (October 31, 2023) – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) kicked off their first annual Jail & Bail Fundraiser on Friday, October 27, 2023. All funds raised will support the organization’s work filling gaps in need through the funding of nonprofit programs critical to our community in the areas of education, health, and financial stability.
The Jail & Bail event consisted of government, city, school, and business officials from throughout Lake County who volunteered to be “arrested” if they hit the individual fundraising goals that they set to raise funds for Lake County residents in need.
After being arrested, each “jailbird” also made pleas from friends and co-workers to donate “bail” money and funds for them to be able to purchase snacks from the “jail” bus commissary, all to benefit the work of UWLC.
Laketran CEO Ben Capelle drove one of his organization’s buses which served as the “jail.” Chief Deputy Robert Izzo of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office followed the bus on its route throughout Lake County and “arrested” each “criminal,” handcuffing them and reading them their UWLC rights.
"At Laketran we help get people to many of the critical programs that United Way of Lake County supports," shared Laketran CEO Ben Capelle, "I really appreciate our government and small business partners that made this first year event a success."
The first arrest of the day was made at the Lake County Administrative Office in Painesville where Lake County Commissioner Rich Regovich was handcuffed and patted down by Chief Deputy Izzo before being placed on the “jail” bus. The commissioner boarded without incident.
” It was my absolute pleasure to take part in United Way of Lake County’s Jail & Bail fundraiser. I believe it is the responsibility of everyone in our community to give back, and I was happy to support an organization that helps so many of our friends and neighbors in need,” said Lake County Commissioner Richard Regovich.
Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley proved a bit feistier when “arrested” later in the day, as did Lake County Auditor Christopher Galloway.
Dr. Patrick Ward, Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Superintendent and Bryan Thomas of Lighthouse Advisers “paid bail” upon pick-up to prevent from being escorted onto the “jail” bus for an approximate ninety-minute sentence with the other “inmates.”
Others arrested along the way included Kelly Conrad, City of Mentor Economic Development Administrator and MEACO Executive Director; Jennifer Edgell of Ladies and Gentlemen Salon & Spa; Ian Lewis, CEO of Little Scholars Early Learning Center; Domenic Llodyka, Assistant Principal of Harvey High School; Noreen Marlowe, Broker and Principle of Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast; Jackie Nemes, Mentor High School Assistant Principal; Harvey High School Assistant Principal; Sanjay Parker, Founder and CEO of Knowtion; Andy Rose, Concord Township Administrator; David Schick of Lake Adamhs; Christine Weber, President of the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce; and Domenic Wlodyka of Painesville City Schools.
“Inmates” were provided the opportunity to make a stop along the way if one of their “sympathizers” wished to pay them a farewell by contributing a UWLC donation. Kim Gilmore, President & CEO of both Raw Roofing Solutions and All Contractors Supply, stepped up to have the bus make a stop at her place of business to bid “farewell” to both Kelly Conrad and Christine Weber.
The event raised over $10,000.
“We are looking forward to making this an annual event” said UWLC President and CEO Dione DeMitro. “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit of everyone who participated. We know the need in our communities has continued to grow, and we are lucky to have a group of leaders who are willing to get involved in our campaign to help positively improve lives right here in Lake County.”
To add some levity to the day, Travis Mettler of Cracker Jack and Company rode the bus and made balloon hats for all inmates.