Hollywood Star Donates to Local Rehab Center

A Hollywood star inspired by his new role lent a helping hand to a local rehab center.

Actor Richard Gere donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Livengrin Foundation, a local drug and alcohol rehab group.

Gere donated the money while filming his new film "Franny" in Philadelphia.

“Richard Gere sought to give back to the local community,” said Livengrin Vice President Scott Blacker. “Mr. Gere’s team researched the many excellent providers of addiction and behavioral health services in the Philadelphia region and chose Livengrin for the life-changing work it does for patients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.”

Blacker says Gere’s donation will go towards charity care for patients who need help covering the cost of treatment.

“We are humbled, proud and excited that Mr. Gere has decided to honor Livengrin with this very generous donation,” said Livengrin's CEO Richard Pine. “While every gift we receive is appreciated and extremely helpful, this contribution will not only help provide treatment for patients in need, but will also help focus attention on the issue of addiction in our society and remind people that help is available, and recovery is possible.”

Gere, who was born in Philadelphia, is known for his hit films "Pretty Woman," "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "Chicago," in which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

Gere is also a noted philanthropist, supporting work in AIDs/HIV research, human rights for the people of Tibet and humanitarian aid.

Founded in 1966, the Livengrin Foundation has treated over 125,000 patients and families for alcohol and drug addiction. The organization has inpatient and outpatient treatment centers in the Philadelphia region, including Bensalem, Center City, Northeast Philadelphia, Doylestown, Fort Washington, Haverford, Langhorne, and Levittown.

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