Business and community leaders are preparing to go behind bars.

Their jail cell, however, will be at Parisi's Bistro in Auburn.

The mock lock-up, which has been held in Auburn for at least 10 years, is a fund-raiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The MDA serves families impacted by neuromuscular diseases in the nine surrounding counties of Syracuse. Similar lock-ups are held in other communities in the area, said Kate Gnann, program coordinator for the MDA.

This year, Gnann said the organization is hoping to have about 100 people show up to be locked up from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, in a designated area at Parisi's Bistro. For the local event, the MDA recruits business and community leaders in Auburn, Skaneateles and Weedsport.

Sometimes people will refer friends and co-workers to MDA to be locked up, she said.

In 2003 and 2004, participants raised about $34,000. Last year, the event generated $21,000, which Gnann attributed to a snow storm.

This year, she said the MDA would like to raise $35,000 from the Auburn lock-up.

Gnann said the organization likes to go into individual communities and get local leaders to participate in the fund-raiser because there are families everywhere who benefit from MDA.

“We get to meet every community and every business,” she said. “This is a way so that everyone in the community knows what MDA is and what muscular dystrophy is.”

Each participant has a goal to raise $650, which sponsors 10 minutes of research.

Services provided by MDA include a week-long summer camp for children with muscular dystrophy, assistance with purchase and repair of wheelchairs and other needs, support groups, clinic services and research.

“There are local families in each of these communities who benefit from MDA,” Gnann said.

If you go

What: Muscular Dystrophy Association Auburn Lock-up

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 7

Where: Parisi's Bistro, Auburn

For more information, contact Kate Gnann at 451-8269