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 Nancy Sutton – Kewanee Area United Way Bennett Riber – Kewanee Fire Department Tim Pence – Housing Authority of Henry County Rebecca Baney – Kewanee School District Tim Capes – Housing Authority of Henry County Stephanie Humphrey – Kewanee School District Priscilla Jackson – Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center Jon Looney - Union Federal Savings and Loan Willie Burford - Rux Funeral Home and Citizen of the Year Dianne DeDecker – Mel Foster Company Jake Forney – Kewanee Fire Department Chief Nicole Moehring – Kewanee YMCA Jodi Looney – Arrow Real Estate Daryl Steinbeck - State Farm Insurance Mike Nichols – State Farm Insurance Doug Wager – Kewanee Pool & Spa Gwen Murphy – Murphy Container Jimmy Cable – Sullivans Food and Springfield Armory Dave Armstrong - KHS Automotive Instructor Organizers say additional participants can still be added, even close to the event date. September 10th Is "Jail and Bail" Day The official "Jail and Bail" “arrests” are scheduled for Thursday, September 10th. The United Way plans to begin making its rounds at approximately 8 AM, visiting participants at their various locations. Each stop is expected to take only about five to ten minutes. The group will collect money raised by participants, take photos, and conduct the ceremonial arrests. United Way organizers are encouraging participants to have their bail money raised by the time they are arrested. Donations can be collected through cash, checks, or online donations. A friendly competition has also been added this year. The participant who raises the most bail money will receive a plaque along with gift certificates donated by Downtown Eatery. Supporting Local Agencies and Community Projects Money raised through the Kewanee Area United Way supports approximately 14 to 15 local agencies, helping those organizations carry out their missions. Nat Smith explained that the United Way is not able to provide 100% of the funding for those organizations, but its contributions provide an important source of support. The United Way also uses funds for community impact projects. Past projects have included providing cleaning supplies and food assistance, while the organization's Shoes for Kids program has grown significantly throughout the area. Nat said the fundraising is essential to allowing the United Way to continue supporting local programs and responding to community needs. How to Donate Community members can support their favorite "Jail and Bail" participant by donating toward their bail. Donations can be made through the Kewanee Area United Way website at www.kauw.org, where donors can select the Jail and Bail fundraiser and designate their donation. Residents can also follow the Kewanee Area United Way on "Facebook" for updates, participant photos, and information about the fundraiser. The United Way is hoping the community will rally behind this year's participants and help push the fundraiser beyond last year's $5,000 total. As Smith noted during the interview, a goal of $10,000 would be a major accomplishment and would provide even more resources for local agencies and community projects. Keep an eye on social media and RegionalMediaNews.com for coverage of the September 10th "Jail and Bail" arrests as local community members get their turn behind bars—all in the name of helping the Kewanee community.