Executive Jailbird McElmeel Raises Thousands for MDA

Sarasota, FL, August 23, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Earlier this month, more than five dozen Sarasota business leaders were locked up, not because of illegal activity, but because they had big hearts and wanted to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. For his sixth consecutive year Sarasota businessman Joe McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of Brooke Chase Associates, Inc., was arrested, handcuffed, and placed in the MDA Lock-Up. His “Bail” was set at $8,500 but he was able to raise more than $9,100 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, making him one of the top fundraisers for this year's Sarasota Lock-Up campaign. The “bail money” helps fund MDA clinics, send children to camp, provide wheelchair assistance, finance support groups, and continue research into the 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans, most of them children.

In just a few weeks, Joe McElmeel was able to raise $9.128.46. How did he do it? He mailed over 400 personal letters and numerous emails to clients, friends, family, and associates asking for help in raising the money. With some heartfelt words and a well placed picture of Joe behind bars, the fundraising effort took shape. “Saying you will contribute is the easy part but actually writing the check and putting it in the mail is what takes effort. I was pleasantly surprised at the generous outpouring of donations I received from family, friends, and business relationships both in Sarasota and nationwide. They really came through! With over 30 years as an executive recruiter and working with executives across the country, I knew they would get behind this cause and contribute generously; and they did. I hope this helps the Muscular Dystrophy Association as it is one organization that I enjoy supporting,” says Joe McElmeel.

This two day Sarasota Lockup Event raised over $125,000, and will be tallied into the September 1st national telethon. MDA has a 48-year history of holding annual telethons and is always warmly answered with an outpouring of contributions from both national sponsors and the public. To find out more about Muscular Dystrophy Association, visit http://www.mdausa.org or call the Sarasota District Office at 239-437-6900. To learn more about Joseph McElmeel and Brooke Chase Associates, Inc., visit http://www.brookechase.com or call 1-877-374-0039.

Earlier this month, more than five dozen Sarasota business leaders were locked up, not because of illegal activity, but because they had big hearts and wanted to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. For the sixth consecutive year, Joe McElmeel of Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. was one of the top participants, raising over $9,000 to help provide children with medical assistance and support groups.