Benefit event held to help famous SF twins

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Earlier this month we learned of the financial plight facing two famous San Franciscans. Since then, there has been an outpouring of support for 85-year-old identical twins Marian and Vivian Brown. A fundraiser for them is taking place tonight at the Red Devil Lounge on Polk Street in San Francisco. The fundraiser starts at 8 p.m. Marian says that's a little bit late for her, but she hopes to attend.

Marian Brown has a big night ahead of her -- she's the VIP guest at a fundraiser benefitting her and her identical twin. When asked how her sister is doing, Marian answered, "Well, she's being taken care of very well, and I hope they find a cure for Alzheimer's. I never would have expected her to get it."

85-year-old Marian and Vivian Brown are San Francisco icons. The two have been famous for more than four decades for being identical twins with a flamboyant style and personalities to match. But now Marian is living alone and for awhile worried she and her sister would have to move out of the city to find affordable care. But the Bay Area has stepped up to make sure that doesn't happen.

"It's so heartwarming to see everybody writing notes to Marian and Vivian, wishing them well," said Barbara Farber with the Jewish Family and Children's Services. "Sending them checks or going online and making donations."

Jewish Family and Children's Services is using the donations to pay for assisted living facility in San Francisco. Care like that can cost up to $7,000 a month. It's a hefty price tag which brings us to Thursday night's fundraiser at the Red Devil Lounge on Polk Street. A stage is being set for other city icons to perform, including the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and jazz diva Kim Nalley.

Club owner Jay Siegan says every dollar raised will go directly to care for the twins, "To me, they are representative of what we need to be doing with all our elders. And this is a nice reminder to me to respect these elders everywhere. But I'm starting with them."

"Thank you to all you beautiful San Franciscans who have made our tragedy really so much more pleasant and endurable. It's great," Marian said.

Click here to make a donation to the Jewish Family and Children's Services program.

Or to send a check or make a donation in person, their address:

Jewish Family and Children's Services
2150 Post St. San Francisco, 94115

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seniors, san francisco news, carolyn tyler

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