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Ex-Crack Addict Gives $10K to Art Gallery

Posted on: Thursday, 22 July 2004, 06:00 CDT

SAN FRANCISCO - A former burglar, alcoholic and crack addict has donated $10,000 to the art gallery where he had panhandled for years after inheriting $187,000 from his long-estranged mother.

The executors of the woman's estate tracked down the man who was identified only as Don a month ago through his Social Security number and help from local social workers.

One of the first things Don did was show his gratitude to Blue Room Gallery owner Paul Mahder for treating him with respect.

"When I had a heart attack and wound up in the hospital a year ago, who was the only person to visit me? Paul. And when I needed a doorway to sleep in over the past couple years, who let me? Paul," Don said. "He treated me like a human being. That's something you don't forget."

Both men burst into tears when Don presented his check.

"We both stood there crying," Mahder said. "Me, because I knew how much this meant to Don. And Don was crying because, I think, he was able to really do something big for something he really cared about."

Social workers are helping Don manage his money. He has bought a $35,000 trailer and has started drug and alcohol counseling, the paper reported. He also bought a Rolex watch and tipped cab drivers with $100 bills.

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