Wake Up Tri-Counties Nat Smith Talks The Kewanee Area United Way "Jail and Bail" Fundraiser on September 10, 2026

The Kewanee Area United Way’s "Jail and Bail" fundraiser is underway, with local community members agreeing to be “arrested” as they raise money to support agencies and programs throughout the Kewanee area. Nat Smith, board secretary for the Kewanee Area United Way, recently joined Ken Peel on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss this year’s fundraiser and how residents can get involved.

The "Jail and Bail" event is a fun annual fundraiser in which community members volunteer to become “arrestees.” Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $250 in bail, with participants encouraged to raise as much as possible.

Last year, the fundraiser brought in approximately $5,000, and United Way organizers are hoping to meet or exceed that amount this year.

A Fun New Approach to Jail and Bail

The "Jail and Bail" fundraiser has evolved over the years. Rather than bringing participants to a central location for several hours, the United Way now takes the fundraiser directly to the volunteers.

Participants can be “arrested” at their workplace, home, a local park, or another agreed-upon location. Kewanee Police Department officers assist with the event, along with a portable jail prop created for the fundraiser.

Participants have their pictures taken with the “arresting” officers in the police vehicle and behind the portable jail. This approach lets volunteers participate without spending hours away from work or their daily responsibilities.

Who Is Being Arrested?

This year's list includes community members from a variety of local businesses and organizations.

Those participating include:

Andy Neal – Kewanee Walmart

Natalie Hendryx – Caterpillar