Lindsey's employee locked up for a good cause
Gary Lombard of Lindsey’s Restaurant was locked up on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The lockup was part of a creative fundraiser by the Muscular Dystrophy Association where donations are replaced by "bail."
Fundraising participants get locked up unless they post bail, meaning they received their goal donation before Nov. 20.
Usually, participants have a few weeks to post bail. However, Lombard, a manager at Lindsey's, took the challenge to a new level.
In 10 days, he organized a golf scramble tournament.
The tournament was held at Bay Pointe Country Club. Roughly 40 people attended the event.
Entry to the tournament was $60. Half of that went to the club for expenses, and the other half went to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Along with a raffle, Lombard raised $1,900 that day.
A fellow golfer also won $120 at the event, but the golfer donated the winnings to the cause.
“Just before the holidays, people need money for themselves to buy stuff, but he just gave it away,” Lombard said.
Overall, Lombard raised $2,400: his bail.
“Next year, I hope to get two times that amount,” Lombard proclaimed.
To reach this goal, Lombard will put more preparation into the golf tournament, having it take place closer to mid-October. The warmer weather will likely attract more golfers.
“I am hoping for a hundred plus next year,” said Lombard. “It was well worth it.”
“[The Muscular Dystrophy Association] called me, saying someone had volunteered me to do this event. It was anonymous,” Lombard said. “I know about the condition, but I honestly did not know much about this program.”
Overall, about $30,000 was raised by 45 jailbirds, including roughly a dozen Wareham residents or business people. The jailhouse for the day was at the Mezza Luna restaurant in Buzzards Bay.
Lombard's donation will send three children with Muscular Dystrophy to summer camp.
“I got a letter from one of the kids who attends this camp, and he wrote about it,” Lombard said. “Life was so simple for him. He said his goal in life was to go to summer camp.”
“I don’t want credit,” Lombard admitted. “I’m just happy these kids get to go to camp.”
Lombard thanked the golf course, the volunteers, and Lindsey’s Cheri Lindsey for helping him.