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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.

Jon Bon Jovi
(photo credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

"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.

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