The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) held its annual Allentown Lock-Up Oct. 5 at Carmel Kitchen & Wine Bar, Allentown. The event brings business leaders of the community together as they help raise funds for children and adults served by MDA in the Lehigh Valley area.

“This is the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 20th annual Allentown Lock-Up for the fight against muscle disease,” said Alyssa Mosser, fundraising coordinator for MDA.

Business leaders agree to be “locked up” while they raise money to meet their “bail” goals. According to Mosser, the event is hoping to raise close to $30,000 this year.

Equally as important as raising money is raising awareness within the community to the important role MDA plays in the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and other related diseases that weaken muscle strength and limit mobility.

Some of the services provided by MDA include health care services, educational outreach, a summer camp for children inflicted with muscular dystrophy and research to find treatments and cures.

“It is a really exciting time for MDA’s families with the recent approval of a treatment which prolongs the lives of children living with Duchene muscular dystrophy,” Mosser announced.

The lock-up event involves a great deal of coordination and help from community businesses and sponsors, which this year included Carmel Kitchen & Wine Bar, B104, Michael’s Classic Limousine, A&A Limousine Service and DJ Jimbo Entertainment.

“We want to thank the business leaders in the greater Allentown area who participated and helped raise funds to aid our amazing families,” Mosser said.