With a cheerful voice, "Hello, Joyce speaking" "You're going to jail!" "Excuse me, I think not. What the hell makes you think I am going to jail? Who are you?" "This is Joyce, the author and owner of a busniess, isn't it?" I answer excitedly, "Let me check! Yup, in person." "Well, you've been chosen to go to jail on March 2nd." says she with a lilt to her voice. "The police will be picking you up." "Let me tell you something, Honey. It will be a cold day in hell before you will get this obstinate woman in the back of a police car. It ain't gonna happen!" "They will pick you up and drive you to the King Opera House." "What part of no don't you understand? I would have to be out of my friggin' mind, dead as a door nail, or tased in the butt before I will put my lily white in the back seat of a police car. I have never been in a police car and I'm not doing it now. Forget it! For friggin' cryin' out loud, what are you talking about?" "You, as an author and business owner have been chosen to participate in the annual MDA jail lock-up. We raise money for children and your contribution will help a child go to summer camp." "Whew, what a relief. What do I have to do?" "Raise $600.00." "$600.00 dollars? Are you joking? I have friends but do you honestly think they will fork over $600.00 each. Let me tell you something, before I do that, I will give you $600.00 to stay out of jail." She laughed, "It's a deal! Be there at 10:00 a.m. or the cops will pick you up.
Well, folks I managed to stay out of a police car but I am now on the lam...until March 2nd when I will join 140 other small businesses in our town to help raise money. It's going to be fun and I have decided to sell the remainder of my books and donate an additional 10% (maybe the whole shebang) for MDA kids. Wish me luck.
So far I have raised my bail by donating ALL proceeds of my book to the MDA. The book I gave for donations is Windy John's Rainbow and The Pot o' Gold. Some of them I have sold for $200.00 each, others for a $100.00 donation and $50.00. I does my heart good to know my book has helped these little children.
The MDA uses these funds for wheelchairs, leg braces, medical assistance, support system and reasearch.
