Prominent Simi Valley citizens are being accused of “having a big heart for Jerry’s kids.” They’re volunteering to be “arrested and serve time” in a mock jail during the MDA Lock-Up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wed., Nov. 9 at the Elephant Bar in Simi Valley to raise money for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The Elephant Bar will donate their version of bread and water to all participating “jailbirds.” Each participant is sentenced to “raise bail” by calling friends and encouraging contributions for the MDA.

Businesses supporting the event include DCH Toyota of Simi Valley, transportation provider for the event; RSVP; and The Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard. The Advanced School of Massage will provide chair massages, and Cingular Wireless will donate cellphones and nationwide calling. More than 200 Ventura County business executives and civic leaders are expected to serve their sentences “behind bars” for the MDA. VIPs include Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Williamson; Lora Malvani, Sylvan Learning Center; Linda Toth, Century 21; Lori Motush, Moorpark Education Foundation; Nancy Hawthorne, Good Shepherd Lutheran School; Suzanne Wolf, Hillside Middle School; Kirk Miyashiro, Moorpark High School; Melinda Bingham, Albertson’s; Virica Weikal, Grand Vista Hotel and others.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through research, services, clinics, and professional and public health education. A summer camp for children with muscle-wasting diseases was held in Simi Valley last year.

To plan or participate in an MDA Lock-Up, or to nominate someone to participate, please call Lisa Sierra, district MDA director, at (805) 563-0456.