Behind Bars for a Cause

Being arrested is no laughing matter, but when it’s done for a good cause, being locked up isn’t all that bad. Just ask John Welsh and his El Paso team who hosted more than 200 temporary jailbirds as they awaited their freedom.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Lock-Up Fundraising event is one that several of our restaurants have supported through the years. In this case, people from the El Paso community, wanted by the police for their generosity, were “arrested” and place in custody in our restaurant. That’s when warden John and his prison guards took over. Inmates were greeted with gold standard service and enjoyed assorted pizzas and a sandwich buffet. Good behavior or not, pizookies were served as well.

Jailbirds spent their time behind bars raising bail money to provide MDA kids with vaccinations, medications and various forms of therapies.  Parole funds were contributed by their family and friends, and after a nourishing lunch and the most fun ever had in a jailhouse, they were released to return to work or home. When the dust settled on this affair, more than $30,000 had been raised for MDA! Not a bad day for a great cause.

John says that he enjoyed this TASC Force event that offered such great support for a wonderful charity and the El Paso community.