Well, call him what you will, but Hugh Hefner graciously donated the last $900,000 needed to save the famed Hollywood sign. Check out the article below:
“LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner on Monday donated the last $900,000 sought by a conservation group for a land purchase needed to save the famed vista of the Hollywood sign from being spoiled by development.
Hefner’s key role in reaching the group’s fund-raising goal was announced by Los Angeles city officials, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the San Francisco-based Trust for Public Land at a news conference in the Hollywood Hills.
The land trust needed to collect a total of $12.5 million by this Friday under a deal with a group of Chicago investors who bought the 1,820-foot (555-meter) ridge, called Cahuenga Peak, from the estate of billionaire Howard Hughes in 2002.
The trust will now purchase the 138-acre (56-hectare) adjacent parcel and turn it over to the city to be incorporated into the surrounding Griffith Park, preventing any construction that would mar the postcard-perfect view of the Hollywood sign nearby.
“My childhood dreams and fantasies came from the movies, and the images created in Hollywood had a major influence on my life and Playboy,” Hefner said in a statement. “As I’ve said before, the Hollywood sign is Hollywood’s Eiffel Tower and I’m pleased to help preserve such an important cultural landmark.”
Other private donors to the Hollywood sign preservation effort included actor Tom Hanks and director Steven Spielberg, the land trust said.”
(Article courtesy of Yahoo News)
I was worried about this landmark being destroyed some months ago…it is wonderful to know it will be around for my children’s children to see.
Have a great day!
Congratulations to everyone who helped make this happen. We in America are a throw-away society.
This helps a lot.
xx’s
Hallelujah!
The Hollywood sign is such a landmark it must be saved. I’m not a huge fan of Hugh But that was really cool of him!!
That is so great of Hugh to do! Glad the sign is staying 🙂
Wow I had no idea this was even an issue! When I visited L.A. seeing this sign was one of my favorite parts!
Omg. I love your blog, and am soo glad I found it! I adore Marilyn Monroe, and the Vintage Glamour!! 🙂 Beautiful!! 🙂
thts pretty cul ddnt no tht.
-cris
Wow, reeeally glad that’s staying up. Way to go, Hef! Thanks 😉
What a guy! Hef saved the sign!! YAY!!!!
Back in the late 70’s early 80’s, Hef lead a group to renovate the sign. Many stars donated money to save a letter-Liza Minelli took an “L” and so on.
I agree, say what you will about Hef, he comes through in a pinch.
Years ago a Playboy Playmate contracted HIV and she could find no one willing to even be her friend anymore-except Hef. He began helping with her medical costs and such. He was one of the first to help her with a charity she run to help those in Africa and the U.S. with AIDS.
Shoulda’ come from those in Hollywood……. Ole’ Hef coulda’ spent money on something more important like feeding the poor!!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo
Well, I’m glad the icon of Hollywood had been saved, and I hope Hef also donates some of his vast fortune to other worthwhile causes. I shall think more kindly of him in the future.