GoFundMe To Restore Ben Franklin's Gravestone Reaches Goal In 1 Day Thanks To Celeb Donation
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A GoFundMe page to restore Ben Franklin's cracked gravestone in Old City reached its goal in one day, thanks to some celebrity help.
The GoFundMe campaign aimed to collect $10,000 in a final push to restore Benjamin Franklin's cracked, deteriorating gravestone at 5th and Arch.
Christ Church Burial Ground coordinator John Hopkins says the effort had raised about $5,000, when a representative of rocker Jon Bon Jovi called.
"It was kind of funny. I joked when we received that we were 'halfway there, living on a prayer,' and then he kind of put us over the top."
With a $5,000 donation.
Hopkins says the Philadelphia Eagles kicked in $1,000, and the University of Pennsylvania donated as well.
He says restoration work should begin in early 2017, and surplus money raised will go toward the grave's continued maintenance.
