United Bank’s Alex Jones is looking forward to Thursday.
That’s because he, along with 27 others, will participate in the United Fund’s lockup fundraiser.
“I was really hoping for a police chase,” Jones said of being “arrested” on Thursday. “I was going to get my ‘Bluesmobile.’”
The annual fundraiser calls on community members to endure an “arrest” and lockup at City Hall in order to raise at least $500 each for “bail.”
Jones said he already has $350 in hand and hopes to earn the rest with the help of business customers and friends.
He said he agreed to do the lockup, in order to help the community and because it should be fun.
“You have to help the community,” Jones said. “The United Fund keeps all the money here locally. This is a new experience for me and it ought to be exciting.”
Participants will be taken to City Hall and will either hand over the $500 they’ve raised for “bail,” or make calls while at City Hall to get the money. Phone books will be provided.
The United Fund officially kicked off its campaign last month and has set a goal of $55,000 for local agencies. Last year’s lockup raised $15,000 for the organization.
Others participating in the lockup this year include Anthony Morris, Jonathan Barnes, Leigh Ann Rowland, Myrna Monroe, Nancy Helton, Lou Vickery, Coleman Wallace, Michael Arnold, Shirley Simpkins, Terri Morris, Elliott Faircloth, Robin McGhee, Bub Gideons, Susan Smith, Dennis Fuqua, Ray Dees, Sara Francis Thompson, Chris Harrison and Linda Bumann.
The agencies that benefit from the United Fund are: Atmore Babe Ruth Baseball, Atmore Cal Ripken Baseball, Atmore Babe Ruth Softball, Atmore Pee Wee Football, Atmore Public Library, Atmore Tee-ball, Coalition for a Healthier Escambia County, Concerned Citizens of Atmore, Council on Aging, Escambia County Cooperative Library System, Friends of Education of Escambia County, Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast and Sav-A-Life Family Resource Center.