‘Up on the Roof’ revisited
As the sun began to set Saturday in the western sky, the Uniontown horizon took on a different look for the Belmont Inn’s owner. Instead of heading indoors to tend bar and greet his customers, Jim Santilli was climbing the 15 or so rungs of his aluminum ladder to the roof of the Barton Mill Road establishment. Likewise, was his long-time friend, Kerry McCormick.
For the next three days, the pair will remain atop the roof, living in tents and eating a lot of pizza, to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
“We have a lot of fun,” said McCormick as he looked over his roof top quarters.
The initiative is a labor of love for Santelli, whose 73-year-old mother, Mary Elizabeth, was struck with the debilitating disease more than 20 years ago.
“My sister takes care of her, and I feel this is my way of helping out,” he said. “She tells me I’ve done enough, but it’s something I can do for her.”
McCormick, too, has a personal interest in raising funds to assist in finding a cure. A long-time friend, Kim Frazee, is also suffering from the disease.
Although this is only the third year of the “Up on the Roof” event, Santilli has been raising funds for 15 years through a variety of events, including pancake breakfasts and the annual Understanding Generous Loving You (UGLY) Bartender contest.
Upon reaching the $100,000 mark in 2001, the MS Society presented him with a trophy during a ceremony held in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Since receiving the honor, Santilli speculates another $30,000 has been raised for the organization and the two men are hoping to add another $20,000 to the tally this year.
Before they ventured to their home away from home, friends and patrons had deposited $65 in the jar set aside for donations.
“We’re already ahead of the game,” said Santilli.
Through Tuesday, many of the same friends, along with family members will stand alongside the road with a bucket to collect donations from passersby or those who stop at the bar.
And what will Santilli and McCormick be doing?
“We’ll be waving to the people going by,” said McCormick.
Their living quarters sit on pallets and their “front porch” is lined with layered cardboard where they have positioned their camping chairs.
In addition to the essentials, McCormick has brought along a radio while Santilli’s children, Michael and Matthew, have provided their father with a teddy bear to keep him company.
Despite a forecast that calls for cold temperatures and snow, the duo said they would brave the elements and sit outside to greet those traveling through the area.
“Last year we got sunburns,” said McCormick. “I don’t think we’re going to be that lucky this year.”
Both encourage those in the area to stop by and make a donation. “It’s for a good cause,” said Santilli.