Anoka County Commissioners Rhonda Sivarajah and Robyn West aren't in the weather-predicting business. But regardless of the temperature on Oct. 12, both say they'd prefer not spending the night sleeping on the roof of BoB's Produce in Fridley.
In fact, each is trying to raise $5,000 to avoid sleeping outdoors that night.
Their efforts are part of a fundraiser -- a Roof Raiser, actually --for the Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health and Well Being, a 30-year-old Fridley- based clinic and nonprofit that serves more than 4,000 families each year.
The commissioners and other team leaders must spend the night of Oct. 12 on the roof if they don't meet their goal to raise $5,000 on behalf of their community teams.
"Last year, it was quite cold," said Fridley Mayor Scott Lund, who had raised $4,600 as of late last week and hopes to avoid having to listen to BoB's roof air conditioner for a fourth straight year.
"Other than being awakened by the air conditioner, it's quite fine," Lund said. "I've got a warm sleeping bag and a tent. Of course, you have to use concrete blocks to hold down the ropes of your tent -- and then hope you don't get hit by a stiff wind."
For Lund and the other team leaders, the reward of raising money for the center far outweighs the risk of near-freezing temperatures.
"It's a great cause," said Sivarajah. "I don't think the people understand how important it is for mental health needs to be addressed as soon as possible -- not only from a quality of life perspective, but from a community perspective, as well.
