MOUNTAIN TOP — As rebuilding efforts continue for a family-owned restaurant that suffered a massive fire last month, the community came together Sunday to raise funds for the business’s employees.
‘Friends Helping Friends,’ a fundraising event for Adelina’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, a popular eatery in Wright Township, was held on the grounds of American Legion Post 781 and featured food and drink, face painting, raffle baskets, vendors and live entertainment.
A cornhole tournament was planned as well but was postponed due to the rain.
Despite the dreary weather, hundreds turned out for the benefit, with proceeds going toward the roughly 50 employees of Adelina’s while the owners work toward reopening the restaurant.
Adelina’s Restaurant & Pizzeria was destroyed on May 20 by an apparent kitchen fire. The business was closed at the time, and no injuries were reported, but the structure was completely lost in the blaze.
Carrie Kline, co-owner of the Mountain Top Pub and Eatery, had tears in her eyes when she explained why she wanted to organize the event.
“When we first opened [our pub] Adelina’s was very helpful to us. They were essential,” Kline said. “They went out of their way to help us so when [the fire happened], we had no choice but to help them.”
Kline also praised everyone who worked to put the event together, especially the local restaurants that donated food and the bands that donated their time and talent.
“The community was just so willing to do their part,” she said. “I only asked a handful of people for help. The rest came to me and said, ‘What can we do?’”
Bernie Ceaser, who co-owns Adelina’s with his wife, Lisa Cummings, said demolition on the old building was recently completed and they will be meeting with their builder on Monday to begin the reconstruction process.
He expressed gratitude for everyone who came out to help his family and employees during this difficult time.
“Mountain Top came out in full force,” he said. “You don’t see this kind of support anywhere else.”
While Adelina’s remains closed, the restaurant will continue to offer off-site catering. Contact Lisa at 570-328-3479 or Heather at 570-233-9375 for information.
