Jail-N-Bail locks up campus celebrities
Published Feb. 27, 2004
Missouri Students Association President Brian Laoruangroch had to post bail again.
But this time it was for a good cause.
Laoruangroch and others participated in the annual Jail-N-Bail event sponsored by Rockin' Against Multiple Sclerosis. The event was held as part of a month-long citywide fund-raiser to benefit multiple sclerosis research.
Jail-N-Bail participants were imprisoned in Brady Commons on Tuesday and Wednesday and weren't released until they raised $20 in their "out" cup. There was a catch. Prisoners also had a cup to keep them in jail. Participants had to raise $20 more in their "out" cup than they had in their "in" cup.
"It seemed like not many people were willing to bail me out," Laoruangroch said. "More people wanted to keep me in."
Laoruangroch was jailed in a black and yellow crepe paper cell with former MSA President Brett Ordnung, some Golden Girls and basketball players, including senior wing Rickey Paulding.
Organizations were asked to nominate participants to collect money and fliers were sent to campus celebrities, including Truman the Tiger, asking them to participate, RAMS co-director Mark Jostes said.
Approximately 15 people collected money each hour and the event raised more than $6,000.
"It was an awesome success," Jostes said. "Not only because of the money raised, but because of the winning attitude of the participants. They came excited and ready to work for a great cause."
Laoruangroch said some individuals raised as much as $150.
"It's amazing how the campus came together for this great cause," he said. "I was very happy that I was able to participate."
Jostes said the event was a success because it allowed many students to participate.
"It's more hands-on for everybody," he said. "Everyone can help in a small way, from donating as little as spare change or as much as $20, and it makes such a huge difference in the lives of those with MS."
Freshman Rachel Grogan attended a speaker event on Sunday.
"The speakers were really good and really effective," she said.
Three of the speakers shared their MS experiences, she said.
"One man is legally blind because of MS," Grogan said. "It was interesting because he said it was the best thing that happened to him because it made him think about what is important in life."
Grogan said all of the speakers were interesting.
"Their personal experiences with MS were all different," she said. "But they all had such positive attitudes."
Jostes said the RAMS steering committee is grateful for students' participation.
"Everyone did a great job," he said.
RAMS will conclude their fund-raising efforts with the Rock-It lip-sync competition finals on Friday at the Midway Exposition Center off Interstate 70 at the U.S. 40 exit.