The Day I Got Arrested

WELL IT FINALLY HAPPENED - I HAD TO GO TO JAIL. A WARRANT WAS ISSUED FOR MY ARREST !!

As a property manager, our department changes vendors from time to time and this year we changed one of our vendors. The last day of service for this particular vendor was September 30th. I will admit that this vendor and I have not always had the most wonderful working relationship, it has been to say the least "difficult at times".

Well - as their last act of defiance against me, they turned me in to the March of Dimes Jail and Bail. And, they set my bail at $1,000. I was called on September 4th and told that I was to present myself on September 30th with my bail in hand, or go to jail UNTIL I could raise my bail.

Everyone I spoke to who has ever participated in the March of Dimes Jail and Bail was shocked at how high the bail was. Most bail is set at $250. No one has ever heard of a bail being $1000. I was scared and nervous of trying to raise $1,000 in only 4 weeks, especially since I was going to be in Maui for 8 days and when I returned I had 2 days of corporate training/meetings. That only left me 2 weeks.

My bail packet arrived while I was in Maui. I started my actual campaign collection for bail money on September 22nd. I set up an on-line web site and emailed everyone for a donation. I talked and emailed everyone I thought would donate, I even posted on face book about my upcoming arrest.



I am fortunate that a lot of people came to my rescue, by the time September 30th came along I had already raised $655. I still needed to raise another $345. I was still worried whether I could meet the challenge.

Then the day arrived. At high noon, I gathered up all my business cards, my blackberry, (with all my contact information), cell phone, and all the courage I could muster. I bid my fair well to my office team members and they wished me well, (behind their snickers).

I arrived at the Hilton Hotel, got checked in, fingerprinted, ID'd, had my mug shot taken, then was shown to a table gaven me a bottle of water and told GOOD LUCK. I started dialing away.

Even though this one vendor and I had our problems, all of the other vendors that I work with graciously make large donations, (from $50 up to $150). My work team members made gracious donations also, from $5 up to $50. After 90 minutes of calling, I totaled up my receipts and realized that I still needed $20 to meet my $1000. bail. In desperation I pulled up the name and phone number of our Community Banking President. I was desperate, (but I figured, heck today's his last day, he's retiring - let's see how much he likes the work I've done for him over the last 5 years). I dialed his number, and HE actually picked up the phone, (not his assistant). I said "Roger, I'm in jail and I'm trying to raise bail money". The other end of the line was dead silent, then a slight chuckle. He said "OK - what ever you need, I'm good for it". I told him about the March of Dimes and that I only needed $20 to meet my bail. He laughed and said DONE - I got you covered. I yelled out, I MADE MY BAIL. Everyone in the room yelled and clapped for me. Most people didn't make their bail. They would only work 1/2 hour and leave, and they only had to raise $250. Only 3 of us there made our bails. When I went to the bail out table, they totaled up all my pledges, checks and cash. My grand total came to: $1,040.00 !! I actually exceeded my bail !! While I was there they gave me prizes also, (an extra large duffel bag, a t-shirt for Dave, 2 t-shirts for me, a car wash kit, a nice warm hoodie sweatshirt. Then they feed me a nice lunch - soup, sandwich, salad, drink and dessert.

The FIRST person I called to inform them that I made my bail was the vendor who turned my in. I let them know that while they thought I couldn't do it, I not only DID IT, but EXCEEDED IT. And they should know better that to give me a challenge. Karl was shocked, especially when I told him that I didn't start working on collecting donations until the 22nd.

Only 8 days and I met his challenge, and helped a lot of babies. 94% of the money collected stays right here in Utah. If you have a polio vaccination, it's because of the March of Dimes. If you know that smoking during pregnancy hurts your baby, it's because of the March of Dimes. 1 in 5 babies born in Utah will require the services of the March of Dimes. Perhaps I have in some small way helped one premie baby.

NOW THE PHOTO EVERYONE HAS BEEN ASKING TO SEE:

Some of the wonderful comments left on my web site from my donors, (friends):!

1.) Barbara, I thought I would try and add some assistance to your cause in the 12th hour. I hope you enjoyed your time locked up!

2.) There's a sucker born every day. Thinking that getting you out of jail would do any good. The world is a better place with you behind bars. But my heart bleeds for Dave being left at home without you.

3.) If you have been a bad girl, then I can not help you, but we CAN help the March of Dimes, and hope you will find your way to goodness and they will let you out.

4.) We're proud to sponsor such a caring and generous gal like you, Grandma Barbara. You're the best and we love you!!

5.) Good Luck you crazy, crazy gal!!

6.) I would pay ten times this much to be there when they arrest you!!! Have fun and don't make the deputy upset by clinking your tin cup along the bars, (they don't like that).

7.) I hope you get along with your inmates. I know you will as you are so friendly and caring. Take care and get out soon.

8.) Barbara Kronenberg just shouldn't be in jail for anything.!

9.) Barbara - You look good in those black and white stripes.

10.) I hope they haul your butt away to jail!! I can't wait to see the pictures !!

11.) Barbara, you are fighting a good cause. I hope you get bailed out, I would hate to have to make my own dinner that night. Love, Dave

I think I need a new set of friends, or else I have to start treating my current friends better!!

Now that I've done it once - That's enough. Thank You to everyone who donated to this worthy cause. You are truly a good friend in my time of need.