By ERIN HOPKINS

Staff Writer

Two Tech students were arrested last Thursday, but not because they did something wrong.

Jason Lyon, president of Kappa Sigma fraternity and a senior biology major, and Brandon Zeringue, president of Delta Chi fraternity and a senior chemistry major, were part of a citywide fund-raiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"It's important to get involved in the community," Dr. Dee Dee Anderson, faculty adviser of the Intrafraternity Council and dean of student development, said.

"[This fund-raiser] is a fun way to raise the money, and I'm proud of them for doing it."

According to the organization's Web site, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency where dedicated partnerships between scientists and concerned citizens focused on conquering neuromuscular diseases, work together.

MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs such as world wide research, comprehensive medical research, community services and far-reaching professional and public health education.

Lyon said the fund-raiser is something the association organizes every year and raises more than their set goal.

"This year they raised three times the amount of money that they raised last year," Lyon said.

Mock jail cells were constructed at Ramada Inn, located at 401 N. Service Rd., and the students, along with 70 business leaders, had to raise bail before they were able to be released. The bail was set at $1,000 each.

"All donations were welcome and every bit helps, no matter the amount," Zeringue said.

Zeringue said, while he was there, he made phone calls to help raise the money.

"We had a certain allotted time to call people and ask for donations," Zeringue said.

"And we were able to receive donations before this."

Lyon and Zeringue raised $350 together, and all of the participants raised a total of $24,000 over the course of the day.

Zeringue said this was a great opportunity.

"It's good to be able to use our popularity and our standing on campus and help out, any chance to give back," Zeringue said.

Lyon said the association approached him about the fund-raiser, and he then asked Zeringue to volunteer.

"I think this is an excellent opportunity to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy," Lyon said.

"This is a chance for everyone to see that the fraternities on this campus are focused on service to the community."