Managing Partner of PUNCH Jailed!

Charlie Connell, a managing partner here at PUNCH, found himself in an unusual situation on February 15.  Charlie spent the day in jail. Before jumping to conclusions, however, it should be noted that it was all for a good cause.  Charlie allowed himself to be locked up to benefit MDA-Jerry’s Kids and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Proceeds from the Lock Up go directly toward lifesaving programs for individuals and families living with neuromuscular diseases in the Central Virginia area.  MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 43 neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional health education.  Some of these services in the local area include clinics at UVA, Kluge Children’s Rehabilitation Center, MCV, and Children’s Hospital, local support groups, and durable medical equipment and a summer camp for children with neuromuscular disease.

Like the other roughly 100 volunteer inmates, Charlie agreed to be held in lock up to raise as much money as possible for MDA. He said of his incarceration, “MDA has a long track record of supporting families struggling with muscular dystrophy.  I would like to thank everyone who helped me raise over $1,500 for such a worthy cause.  My wife and I are very fortunate to have two healthy children and this is my attempt to help out some very deserving families in our community.”

Among the many coworkers, friends, and family members who donated were clients that gave as individuals. A generous donation match was received from Swedish Match North America, Inc. Donations were also made from individuals within the following organizations: Children’s Hospital of Richmond; Children’s Miracle Network; Broadscope Analytical; Goodman, Allen & Filleti; Goodwin, Sutton & Duvall; Connor’s Heroes Foundation; BW Wilson; Work Inc.; Bowyer Studios, Inc.; and Fan Rats FC.

The jailbirds who supported MDA actually didn’t suffer much. Inmates only had to stay an hour and instead of the city jail, the Renaissance Conference Center served as the locale for this event.  Law enforcement officers from UR, VCU, the Sheriff’s office, and Richmond Police volunteered to escort inmates to jail and one of Richmond’s finest arrived in the office to escort Charlie to jail.  Richmond Firefighters, longtime MDA supporters themselves, escorted everyone back safely to their offices.  While serving time, inmates dined on the donated goodies from the good folks at:  Coppola’s Deli; Tropical Smoothie Café; Krispy Kreme Doughnuts; Café Olé; Bottom’s Up Pizza; Buffalo Wild Wings; Ukrop’s Carytown; and Entenmann’s Bakery. 

It’s not too late to make a donation either.  Simply click on the link below by March 15 and you can pledge your support for MDA.  https://www.mdaevent.org/ParticipantInfo.aspx?j=e3b1f7a5-5187-4a82-99e5-79203b7de91f

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