I’ve always been intrigued and fascinated with Marilyn, back to my pre-teen years. In 1988 it took on a whole new level when I read my first biography of her life. From there I was totally enthralled in learning everything I could about her.
In the late 1990’s I was checking into some Marilyn fan groups, and one in particular, ‘Hollywoodland’. There I met friends I still have today, and in 2001 we decided to start a new fan club, and with a vote, ‘Immortal Marilyn’ was born. Many of these friends are still today with IM, and they have helped keep the club the best place to be to learn all there is to know about Marilyn. In 2003 I became the President and Owner.
The club continued to grow, and for several years now we have hosted events in LA the first week in August during the memorial anniversary of her passing. Fans would travel from all over the world to celebrate her life together. Highlights would include tours of the places she lived, loved and worked, we’d catch meals at eateries Marilyn loved, host pool parties and also more formal events. These times together created bonds that are much like family for many in the group.
IM has from the beginning supported charities that would be close to Marilyn’s heart. The beginning was fulfilling a Christmas wish list from children in the same orphanage she once lived at, named Hollygrove. After Hollygrove moved all the children into foster homes, our membership voted overwhelmingly to make Animal Haven of NYC our special charity.
Since 2001 IM has graced Marilyn’s crypt with flowers. For years now Marilyn’s fans at IM raise money to cover the cost of flowers four times a year; Valentine’s Day, June 1 (her birthday), August 5th (anniversary of her passing) and in December for the holidays. All money raised beyond the cost of flowers is given to Animal Haven.
Marilyn means the world to me, and she always will. I love her like family, and my whole goal with IM was to keep a place where the truth of her life is honored, and she is given the respect she deserved.
