United Way of Lake County’s Second Annual Jail & Bail Raises Over $13,000 to Support Local Programs
Mentor, OH (September 17, 2024) – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) hosted its second annual Jail & Bail Fundraiser on Friday, September 6, raising more than $13,000 in support of 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.
Thirteen brave “jailbirds” from Lake County businesses and organizations volunteered to be “arrested” as part of the fun, with each setting personal fundraising goals to help residents in need by making requests to be jailed or bailed. Turns out all were jailed, and Laketran CEO Ben Capelle provided and drove the perfect paddy wagon—a Laketran bus turned “jail”—while Lieutenant Bryan Bowen of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office tracked them down, complete with handcuffs and a reading of their UWLC rights.
Among the “criminals” were Morris Beverage III of Lighthouse Advisers, Erica Acheson-Dunay of Key Private Bank, Ryan Gilkerson of Ville City Branding, Joe Glavan of Mentor Public Schools and Lakeland Community College, Michelle Graf of The Lubrizol Corporation, Tricia Johnston of Leadership Lake County, Patrick Mohorcic of Lake Development Authority, Patty Perry of ProMark Enterprises, Andy Phelps of Truist, Concord Township Fire Chief Matt Sabo, Eastlake City Council at Large Michael Semick, AnDao Silbaugh of Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa, and Dana Wolfe of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce
As the bus rolled through town with music blaring and plenty of mayhem on board, the “jailbirds,” including Beverage, Gilkerson and Silbaugh, made the most of their time behind bars with Gilkerson and Sabo even attempting to hijack the “jail bus.”
“We’re thrilled to see this event grow,” said UWLC President and CEO Dione DeMitro. “The energy of everyone who generously participated was incredible. They’re helping us meet the increasing needs in our community, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The wild bus tour of arrests wrapped up at SOL in downtown Willoughby, where the “convicts” were treated to a well-deserved final meal.