Being jailed for Charity

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent

Monday, April 30, 2012

My position at the Chamber has finally become a problem. I will be locked up as a result of my Chamber activities. I confess that this is a bit embarrassing but I feel that it is time that the public know the truth. I have chosen to use this column to seek your support for my actions. One of our Chamber members has called me out and I could not run, hide, or avoid my civic responsibility. This Friday, May 4th I will be locked up.

Omega Partnership will convert their office at 133 West Davis Street in Culpeper to a jail. The office will be divided into four jail cells and host public officials,  religious leaders, business leaders, fitness leaders, and other assorted individuals for eight hours. When in jail the subject will have a choice, stay in jail or call friends and family for bail…. Bail is set when you arrive and it will be up to each leader’s network to pay their bail and get them out of jail. This could be interesting considering the list of characters that are volunteering.

If rumor is correct. WJMA will be broadcasting live from 133 West Davis Street to help one of their own get out of the pokey. I hear that her bail will be set especially high considering that her air time should draw many supporters.

Omega Partnership’s fund raiser is impressive. Jeanie Raven has pulled together a strong Board of Directors to help fill a need in the community. The 501c3 is a bridge between those who often have nowhere else to turn for food, shower, clothes, housing, and jobs. The organization is ready to assist when there are no other options for individuals or families in need. The Christian organization uses biblical principles to serve our community. In addition to local service, Omega Partnership serves global needs with service on mission trips around the world.

I need your help on Friday May 4th from 12-1 PM. I will be calling out, reaching out via Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In to ask for your support in setting me free. Pledge or donate during 12-1 PM and mention that you read this column and that you would like to bail me out. You can physically come to 133 West Davis Street or you can go to the website at OmegaPartnership.org and click on the donate button. I will be most grateful. More importantly, those that need your help will receive the help that they need from those committed to such needed service. It is difficult to say “that but for the grace of God there go I”, and yet it is a humbling truth.

Join me in support the mission of Omega Partnership on Friday May 4th. Call the Omega office at 540-317-5383 and say… Hello, I would like to bail Jim Charapich out this Friday… PS. Paying to keep me there is not an option… 

Jim Charapich CEO/President
Culpeper Chamber of Commerce