Jeanne Silver: A Fundraiser

Jeanne Silver is a Rialto Report favorite and her interview with us remains incredibly popular. She was a firm favorite in films and magazines from the moment she arrived in New York in the mid 1970s, appearing in movies such as The Violation of Claudia, Water Power, Desire for Men, and Every Man’s Fantasy.

We looked for Jeanne for almost 10 years before we finally found her. When we did connect, we were worried about her reaction, especially as we’d heard she had a young daughter she was trying to protect. But we found Jeanne to be one of the warmest, kind and open people we’ve ever met. Not only did she agree to share her story with us, but we’ve been lucky enough to become friends with Jeanne. Her daughter Irene even modeled our Rialto Report t-shirts that were available for a limited time.

Jeanne Silver has struggled financially for a time. We previously suggested a fundraiser, but she is fiercely independent and shies from help (even though she’s the first to give it). But recent circumstances have just become too much. Jeanne requires major dental work and faces spinal surgery in the coming months, all without sufficient health insurance. She’s in significant pain but refuses to take drugs even though she feels she may be on the cusp of depression.

In addition to her health issues, Jeanne’s car is no longer operational. Because she lives in a location without adequate public transportation, this means Jeanne is struggling to work. And did we mention what that work is? Jeanne has dedicated her later life to assisting the elderly, helping them with tasks like shopping and doctors’ appointments and house cleaning. And perhaps just as important, Jeanne spends time in conversation with those she helps and listens to their stories – offering them companionship many no longer get. This work includes helping her own mother who Jeanne supplies with groceries from the limited money she earns.

To top this all off, Jeanne is being evicted from her home right as the holidays roll around. With little time and few resources, Jeanne needs to find a new place to live for herself and the adopted pets she cares for and loves dearly.

So, we finally convinced Jeanne to let us and her generous fans help her. When we pushed the topic, Jeanne answered “I hate asking but I’m in a pit and can’t dig myself out on my own this time. I want to be that happy person that I know is buried under this mess. I miss me.”

Please show Jeanne how much she is loved and appreciated. As you know we do not accept advertising on The Rialto Report and never charge for the original content we offer every week. We’ve had many people ask us how they can thank us for the work we do – these fundraisers are the answer. In conjunction with The Golden Age Appreciation Fund, we’ve raised almost $20,000 for people like Sharon Mitchell, Kay Parker, Tom Byron and George Payne – all because of your generosity.

No amount is too small – but as an extra incentive, every donation $40 and above will receive a personalized signed photo from Jeanne. And the donor who gives the most by the end of the fundraiser will receive a signed prosthetic...