Ever thought cops would unexpectedly walk into your job to arrest you? That’s exactly what happened to my fellow co worker Sebastian Moreira, a film editor for hMAG. During an interview I was conducting, we were abruptly interrupted by two policeman asking for Moreira issuing a warrant out for his arrest. Moreira, surprised by the encounter, complied with the officers as they seriously and jokingly asked him to accompany them. I decided to tag along; this might make for an interesting day.

The policeman initially gave the prank away; they could not keep a straight face. As a hilarious gag, the prank was based on the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) who reach out to business owners and ask to participate in their annual jail themed fundraising event, “Lock up on the Hudson” in which participants are asked to call their friends and relatives to try to raise up “bail money” contributions donated towards children with Muscular Dystrophy.

Muscular Dystrophy is an umbrella term that overshadows 43 different diseases that causes the weakening of muscles or loss of muscle tissues, which worsens over time, according to MDA.org. The MDA works in various communities to raise awareness and to help improve a child’s quality of life.

“Lock up on the Hudson,” this year sponsored by the Wicked Wolf located at 120 Sinatra Drive,was created to specifically target donations in proceeds to help send children to summer camp. Erin Dresnick, Executive Director of the MDA Foundation explains, “The camp gives children the opportunity to have the time of their lives, gain independence, and build up their self esteem.” This year, the Spring Valley, NY camp location accomodated 70 children this year, along with 85 volunteer camp counselors.

The policemen, Sebastian, and I took a car ride in a Hudson County Sheriff’s vehicle along Sinatra Drive to arrive at the Wicked Wolf, where Sebastian got his “mugshot” picture taken along with a few other jailbirds across Hudson County escorted here by the police. Jailbirds sit and have lunch courtesy of the Wicked Wolf, in attempt to raise up a goal of $1,600, which ultimately send two disabled children away for a week to summer camp.
Dresnick elicited excitement in the room as she cheerfully spoke from a microphone encouraging contributors to get on their phones and help boost donations. To show where all of the generosity goes, Dresnick displayed a presentation of children at the Spring Valley summer camp location, engaging in various activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, and horseback riding. The entire room was able to notice once another donation was given when they heard the loud jangle of a bell. The room would then cheer with gratitude in hopes of reaching their goal.

Overall, the MDA provided participants an entertaining adventure and a nice excuse to get out of the office. As souvenirs, jailbirds are given various goodies, such as keychain handcuffs to remind them of the playful and whimsical experience they shared. For what it’s worth, getting arrested doesn’t seem too bad if the consequence is putting a smile on a child’s face.