United Way of Lake County recently hosted its “Jail and Bail” fundraiser, with all proceeds raised serving the organization’s mission to fill gaps in need through the support of nonprofit programs in education, health and financial stability. The second annual campaign, officials noted, raised more than $13,000, surpassing 2023’s impressive total of $10,000. Thirteen intrepid “jailbirds” from Lake County businesses and organizations volunteered to be “arrested” as part of the fun, with each setting personal fundraising goals by making requests to be “jailed or bailed.” Officer Lt. Bryan Bowen of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office “arrests” Dana Wolfe, executive director of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, during United Way of Lake County’s recent “Jail and Bail” fundraiser. (Submitted) In the end, all participants were jailed, with Lt. Bryan Bowen of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office apprehending perpetrators, complete with handcuffs and a reading of their UWLC rights, and Laketran CEO Ben Capelle transporting them in a “paddy wagon” — a bus turned “jail.” Making up the “criminal element” were Morris Beverage III of Lighthouse Advisers; Erica Acheson-Dunay of Key Private Bank; Ryan “Shugabooga” Gilkerson of Ville City Branding; Joe Glavan of Mentor Public Schools and Lakeland Community College; Michelle Graf of the Lubrizol Corp., Tricia Johnston of Leadership Lake County; Patrick Mohorcic of the Lake Development Authority; Patty Perry of ProMark Enterprises; Andy Phelps of Truist Bank; Concord Township Fire Chief Matt Sabo; Eastlake City Council-at-Large Michael Semick; AnDao Silbaugh of Ladies and Gentlemen Salon and Spa; and Dana Wolfe of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce. As the bus rolled through the county with music blaring and “plenty of mayhem on board,” the jailbirds, notably Beverage, Gilkerson, and Silbaugh, made the most of their time behind bars, with Gilkerson and Sabo even attempting to “hijack” the jail bus. United Way of Lake County President and CEO Dione DeMitro said the nonprofit is thrilled to see the event evolve. “The energy of everyone who generously participated was incredible,” she said. “They’re helping us meet the increasing needs in our community, and I couldn’t be more grateful.” Officials noted that the tour of arrests wrapped up at Sol in Downtown Willoughby, where the convicts were treated to a “final meal.”