Jail and Bail was a success once again.
This year's Jail and Bail, organized by C.E.S. School Community Council, was held on Nov. 2. The number of individuals arrested this year exceeded last year's 27 arrests with 35 "criminals" taking part in this year's event.
Having raised $22,764 thus far, the grand total is expected to be close to $23,000 as donations continue to come in. The money raised will go to the purchase and installation of the two remaining SMART boards required for Carlyle Elementary School.
The day kicked off with its first arrests at 9 a.m. Involvement from the local RCMP detachment meant that Corporal Kelly Guider and Constable Lee Bitternose were responsible for arresting the "criminals with outstanding warrants."
As a result, criminal after criminal was brought in to the C.E.S. Jail, complete with handcuffs and read their charges by the Honourable Don Carter. Bail was set by their accusers and the individuals were told of their requirements before the criminals were put behind bars with merely their cell phone.
This year adults and students alike were arrested with bails ranging from $100 to $1,000. The top fundraiser this year was Mike Smith from CanElson Drilling. Smith, whose bail was set for $1,000, raised $6,000. His charge? "Eating all of the goodie rings before Lloyd could!"
Sandra Chadney, who was charged with "showing up early and making everyone else look bad," was required to raise $500 before being released. Chadney raised $1,185 towards the purchase of the SMART boards.
Doug Colpitts was arrested for "waking his kids up in the morning by singing." Colpitts raised $1,105, which exceeded his bail amount of $500. Honourable mentions were given to Jodi Third and Darcy Howe.
Spirits were high in the gymnasium as criminals were hauled in and placed behind bars. Laughs were had as individuals were read their charges. Smiles covered the faces of the criminals' rescuers as bail money was brought in and placed in the hands of the event's organizers.
Tammie Riddell, one of the organizers of the event, was very pleased with how the fundraiser went. "Unbelievable!," said Riddell. "Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined we would raise that amount of money. I was hoping to raise enough to pay for the smart boards and installations. Words cannot describe how overcome I am."
"Our judge was the fantastic Honourable Don Carter. He was exceptional! He came with his costume and everything. The students had a quick assembly to witness the arrest of Mr. Bloomfield and their principal Mrs. Sargent and before they were arrested, Don had them practice yelling "guilty" when he raised his mallet. So of course, when they were arrested he made all the students yell guilty 3 times to send them to jail."
The number of participants in this year's event was impressive. The criminals that raised the much-needed funds included: Ron Paul, Ron Thompson, Evan Bloomfield, Sandra Chadney, Jeannine Bitternose, Marilyn George, Harold Ross, Don Shirley, John Fleury, Mike Smith, Jodi Third, Marsha Mclean, Blaine Dahl, David Lemieux, Michelle Orsted, Wayne Dunn, Shelley Slykhuis, Darcy Howe, Mandy Irwin, Cameron Jarvis, Jenna Jensen, Randy Stigings, Hal Moffat, Kevin Dyck, Ray Boutin and Pam Kresowaty.
"Everyone was such a good sport. Without them our fundraiser would not have been the success it was. It really is a fun day, lots of laughs usually when the individuals heard their charge. This year, a few of the people who were going to be arrested came down to the school before they were arrested to make a donation. It was funny to see their faces back, but this time in cuffs."
As for how Riddell felt this year's fundraiser went? "Phenomenal. That is very obvious from our outcome. A huge thank you goes out to each and every person who donated! Words cannot express the gratitude for the support. It makes all the hard work worth it."
A number of people contributed to the success of the day. "The local RCMP detachment, especially Corporal Kelly Guider and Constable Lee Bitternose, for arresting all the "criminals." Don Carter, for being our judge. He was there from 8:45 until 4:00 p.m. It was a very long day, but a job well done! Kristie Colpitts, our local paparazzi/mug shot photographer for the event, was there all day."
"All the people who submitted an arrest warrant, the arrestees, everyone who helped with a donation and the SCC organizers. Without all of these people involved our fundraiser would not have been such a success, you are all very much appreciated.
"A big thank you goes out to all of the people who supported the fundraiser, and are making an impact in our children's education and future. I know the staff and students at CES are very appreciative."
For those still yet to submit their donations, you are asked to have your donations to the elementary school as soon as possible. The SCC would like to have all of the money collected by November 18. Cheques can be mailed to the school at Box 789, Carlyle, SK, S0C 0R0.
