Marianne Needs Your Help After Hospital Stay

Dear friends and community members,

It is with sincere humility and a mix of hope and concern that I reach out to you today. You may know me as Marianne (or @ladygodarts on Instagram) from Spruce Hill Provisions, where I happily worked for nearly four years (until the shop closed for good last month). Working there gave me the opportunity to get to know my neighbors and connect with the vibrant spirit of our neighborhood, and I miss seeing you all!

Just days after the shop closed for good on 3/31/25, I experienced unexpected health challenges, including a prolonged hospital stay due to infectious colitis. Additionally, I'm undergoing reconstructive dental surgery, which has temporarily left me with a smile that's currently more "Hockey Player Chic" than "Job Interview Ready." So, you can imagine how this has complicated my job hunting efforts! I also missed the first two Saturdays (and paid to rent the table) selling my wares as part of the Clark Park Bizarre because I was hospitalized. I am very grateful for all the excellent healthcare I am receiving.

However, I am a glass half full person and I'm determined to turn these setbacks into opportunities. I live alone, so all the monthly bills are on me. Your support will help me get back on my feet, catch up on bills (wifi, cell phone, laundry, food, etc.) and rent, prepare to become gainfully employed again, and continue to share/support myself by selling my artwork and products with new people and new shops.

Doing this is the LAST thing I want to do. I am embarrassed and a little humiliated. It looks as if many people have others write this on their behalf, but I couldn't bring myself to ask! I know that these days, every time you turn around, someone is asking for donations. It’s exhausting, I know. My own donations have been small, $1 or $5, no more. If you don't care to donate, I am offering portrait commissions for $200. Since moving back home to West Philly in 2019, I have dreamt of painting portraits of the interesting and cool people who make up our vibrant community.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this. If you know of other groups where this could be shared, please let me know or go ahead and share this GoFundMe wherever you think it will help.

With much gratitude in my attitude (lol),

Marianne McGinnis, West Philadelphia PA, 19104

@ladygodarts