I'm going to jail
Every week, NPRI President Andy Matthews writes a column for NPRI's week-in-review email. If you are not getting our emails, which contain our latest commentaries and news stories, you can sign up here to receive them.
I'm going to jail
As the president of a non-profit, I know what it’s like to rely on the generosity and support of others to be able to carry out the organization’s mission. And I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate your support for the Nevada Policy Research Institute and our efforts to make the Silver State a freer and better place to live.
As much as I believe in NPRI’s mission, however, I always keep in mind that there are so many other causes that are worthy of support. Of course, not all of them have to do with public policy. But it’s good to remember that there are lots of ways to help strengthen our community that go beyond tax rates and education reforms.
Which brings me to the point of this week’s column. On Tuesday, August 27, I’ll be participating in a charitable event to help raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In addition to the fact that its proceeds will go to support a great cause, the MDA uses a fun and creative method to raise money for its efforts.
Here’s how it works: On August 27, shortly after noon, the MDA is having me arrested. But rather than haul me off to one of Clark County’s government-operated prisons, the officer will take me to Bahama Breeze, where I’ll be thrown in a jail cell until I raise enough “bail” to earn my freedom. The bail money, of course, goes to support the MDA.
By the way, somebody — and I’ve yet to figure out who — volunteered me for participation in this event. And I want you to know that if you’re reading this, you’re a suspect! But of course, I was more than happy to agree to participate.
So with that, I’d like to ask you to consider pitching in and helping me make bail. You’ll be supporting a good cause, as I’ve already said, but if you need another reason, consider this: The sooner I raise the necessary funds, the sooner I can return to the office that day and get back to work fighting to keep more money in your wallet.
My bail is $3,200, and I have a ways to go. How can you contribute? You can either come by Bahama Breeze, on the corner of Paradise and Flamingo, sometime the afternoon of the 27th and make your donation in person (and, while you’re there, take pleasure in mocking me for my predicament), or you can donate ahead of time online, which you may do by clicking here.
If you’re able to help out, I’d appreciate it greatly. Thank you in advance for your generosity. I hope to see you at Bahama Breeze on August 27!
Best regards,
Andy Matthews
NPRI President
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