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Roofers to the rescue
By SUSAN THURSTON
© St. Petersburg Times, TAMPA -- Larry Richards was scheduled to play tennis. Bob Geesey planned to ride his motorcycle. Instead, they and about 70 other roofers donated their time Saturday to put a new roof on the Children's Cancer Center on W Cypress Street. "We gave up our weekends to come and be a part of this because we think it's important," said Lee Stoveall of Jacksonville, whose company donated the asphalt. "The center helps a lot of families." The West Coast Roofing Contractor's Association took on the project after learning the 30-year-old roof would not survive another rainy season. The roof began leaking badly several weeks ago, damaging the carpet and walls of the two-story building. "We've had such a drought, we didn't realize how bad it was," said Mary Ann Massolio, the executive director of the center. The center was founded in 1974 to help children with cancer or chronic blood disorders. Programs offer emotional, educational and financial support to patients and their families. Originally, the center was part of the outpatient clinic at the University of South Florida's College of Medicine. It later operated out of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, and it moved to its current location in January 1999. Since then, the center has raised $750,000 for building improvements and operational expenses. Most recently, the Junior League of Tampa designed and built a $50,000 multipurpose room where children can play games and watch movies. Officials say the donations allow the center to devote more money to programs. Replacing the roof would have cost about $30,000. Members of the roofing association supplied all of the materials and labor. Roofers who compete for jobs all week worked side by side for a common cause, finishing the job in less than a day. They made up T-shirts for the event and had a barbecue. "This is a really good cause," said Steve Kruse, past president of the association and organizer of the event. "It's for kids with cancer. What better cause could it be?" The association of commercial and residential contractors, roofing suppliers and manufacturers selects one charity a year to help. Past projects have involved Habitat for Humanity and women's shelters. "It's worth it," said J.R. Owens, a roofing supply company manager who started work about 7 a.m. "It's a good organization. They need the help."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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