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Down from the roof

by Carolyn James

The rooftop fund raiser, DJ Page Mullane, is rooftop sitting no more. Mullane abandoned his site above Caffeine’s on Park Boulevard in Massapequa Park just weeks short of his 105-day quest, saying problems arose that eventually forced him down.

"There were some things happening that he did not want to be associated with, said Joe Signorino, Mullane’s rooftop manager. "There was vandalism to his living quarters and harassment, so he just thought it would be best to end it."

Over the past several weeks, Mullane said there were two instances in which youths climbed to the rooftop, stole and damaged some personal items, including a stereo system. And, another incident occurred in which someone attempted to set fire to his rooftop home, he said.

Nassau County Police confirm they responded to Caffeine’s August 12 to take a report of vandalism, saying Mullane told them someone had climbed the roof between 1 and 8 a.m., that day and damaged a tent and a small pool.

A Massapequa Fire Department official said there is no record of volunteers being called to Caffeine’s to investigate a fire, a fact explained by Signorino who said the department was never called. "We found some burnt papers and by that time they (the arsonists) were gone," said Signorino.

Signorino said the fundraiser raised $11,000 to date, most of which is committed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Gail Freebody, director of community development for the Make-A-Wish Foundation confirmed that Mullane’s group had given that organization a check for $5,000, as well as some smaller checks. Additional checks were expected, but not yet received, she said.

Mullane was also trying to raise money for a local youngster, Christine Cowan, who is in need of a double lung transplant.

"Unfortunately, we couldn’t complete the fundraiser on the roof, so we didn’t raise those funds, but we have other local fundraisers planned and hope to do so," said Signorino. One fundraiser is planned to be held at Mulcahey’s in Massapequa Park.

But questions about the incidents, and Mullane’s fundraiser persist. While Mullane had the support of many people in the community, others had doubts about it. Some local shopkeepers also complained that Mullane and his "street team" of volunteers caused noise and disruption.

"I never bought the whole thing," said one shopkeeper who asked not to be named. "As far as I’m concerned, it’s a scam."

Freebody said it is unfortunate that problems arose with the fundraiser and that Mullane was forced to come down off the roof. "We’re sorry to hear that he’s down," she said.

Despite that, Mullane said he is continuing to try and raise money. Several local fundraisers have been held since he abandoned the roof August 23.

As to the comments of those who question the validity of the fundraiser, Signorino said it is unfortunate that those who would not do what Mullane did, and make the sacrifices he made, also don’t believe someone else would.

"He has done this before and was again willing to give up four months of his life again to help others," said Signorino.

Mullane and his team of volunteers have removed a large portion of the items that were placed on the roof when he took up residence there in June. They expect to have the entire roof cleaned off this week, said Signorino.