Some celebrities have had the good fortune of being able to enjoy their retirement in comfort and style – but unfortunately, the same can not quite be said for Dawn Wells.
Wells was the beloved young actress who played Mary Ann Summers on the CBS show “Gilligan’s Island”. According to her dear friend and hairstylist, the starlet has fallen on hard times.
Dugg Kirkpatrick recently created a GoFundMe page for Wells, asking for help from her fans.
“After 2008, like many of us, Dawn suffered through the banking crash and lost everything including her life savings, in addition to a life-threatening surgery which came close to killing her,” wrote Kirkpatrick. “Dawn was a victim of an unexpected accident that required hospitalization for two months and a very long time to rest and heal.”
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So as a means of helping his friend pay her hospital bills and find her a place to live out her senior years, Kirkpatrick set the goal for $180,000.
“Should any of you out there wish to contribute a small (sum) to help a woman who gave so many people joy over the years, it would be so appreciated.”
Thousands of “Gilligan’s Island” fans contributed to the page and offered their love to the actress. The campaign has raised $191,000 in 20 days, enough money to pay off some of the actress’s debt and move her into a retirement village in California.
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Wells eventually took to Facebook to express just how “amazed” she was by the support.
“A dear, dear friend of mine with a big heart was trying to help me with some common issues we all understand and some must face,” wrote Wells. “He created that page with the love an emotion (of) someone protecting their child.
“I don’t know how this happened,” she continued. “I thought I was taking all the proper steps to ensure my golden years. Now, here I am, no family, no husband, no kids and no money. I’m grateful that God has given me so many friends and fans who care, or it would all be too …overwhelming.”
“I am grateful to any of my fans who are willing to offer support. However, please know that my outlook is positive and I look forward to seeing you all in my travels.”
If This Story Floats Your Boat, Be Sure To Share It With Your Friends – Photo by Dugg Kirkpatrick via GoFundMe