CRESTVIEW — News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni is among some 20 North Okaloosa County professionals participating in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Crestview Executive Lockup.
During the event — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Holiday Inn Express in Crestview — participants will be "jailed" as they try to raise "bail," really, dollars for MDA to help Northwest Florida residents with the disease.
—————————–DONATE NOW>>http://bit.ly/2067hzY
Here, we catch up with Thomas.
In a recent column about the lockup you said, "I never missed "The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon," so you've always been conscious of the organization and its work. The annual televised fundraiser raised more than $2.45 billion for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during its 48-year run, according to the Los Angeles Times.
What was your favorite part of the MDA telethons?
Seeing celebrities. As far as TV was concerned, there were two eras in the Boni household, BDN and ADN: Before Dish Network and After Dish Network. When we had just basic, over-the-air channels, I caught the telethon every year for the entertainment because, let's face it, options were limited. Plus, Jerry Lewis put on a good show. But even as a child, I knew that if I couldn't pledge a donation, I could at least arm myself with information about this group of diseases, and support the cause just by watching the telethon. It was the same way with telethons for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Now, as an adult, I can actually do something about it.
What are the 3 most important things you're taking with you for your stint as an MDA jailbird?
Jail is jail and contraband is contraband, so I really can't take anything with me. In fact, didn't the News Bulletin have a recent news story where the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office talked about contraband…? So, here's hoping there's a jail commissary.
How much money have you raised so far?
That's the sad part. I'm a busy guy, and then got sidelined with a back issue, so I've only raised $200. And my bail is $3,200! If you do the math, I might be in jail for a long time! Please donate.
Seriously, is this just your way of getting out of the office? What are you going to be doing?
Anyone who knows me knows work is my home away from home! So no, if I had a choice, I would rather be editing stories or doing any number of things.
What will I be doing? Well, this is my first time in jail. I'll say this — hopefully, it's nothing like what's depicted on HBO's "Oz."
Who's bailing you out? Do they give you any money for transportation after you're officially released?
Anyone in the community can offer bail. Heck, anyone outside the community can offer bail. Anyone in Internet Land who has a good heart — along with a major credit or debit card — can donate to this worthy cause. I'll say it again: Please donate! And remember: It's not for me. It's for Northwest Florida residents with MD.
HOW TO HELP
To "free" News Bulletin editor and jailbird Thomas Boni, and support Northwest Florida residents with muscular dystrophy, visit http://bit.ly/2067hzY and click "Donate to Me."
You will see a list of options, ranging from $30 to $1,480, and exactly where your money will go.
To "free" News Bulletin editor and jailbird Thomas Boni, and support Northwest Florida residents with muscular dystrophy, visit http://bit.ly/2067hzY and click "Donate to Me."
You will see a list of options, ranging from $30 to $1,480, and exactly where your money will go. The deadline is Feb. 24.
HOW TO HELP
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 questions with Thomas Boni, Muscular Dystrophy Association 'jailbird'