Articles

Jack Lord's $40 Million Gift Helps Charities
by Roy Witman © 2008

"Book 'em, Danno!" is a phrase coined from a television series endeared in the hearts of millions: Hawaii Five-0. While the series may live for eternity through the power of reruns on cable TV, the Internet and DVDs, Jack and Marie Lord's estate will make a far greater impact. Currently valued at over $40 million, the estate is slated for distribution, as the late couple predetermined.

Choosing to have no children due to Lord's decision to become an actor, the couple had no biological heirs. Twelve Hawaii-based charities will reap the benefit of the Lords' generosity and giving hearts instead.

Running from 1968 until 1980 (the longest-running police TV series in the U.S.), Hawaii Five-0 was famous for gorgeous scenery, authenticity and exceptional guest stars. In fact, many credit Hawaii Five-0 for introducing America (and the world) to the breathtaking beauty found there. Each week, viewers saw actual footage from filming that took place entirely in Hawaii. Tourism certainly increased after the series aired. The loyal show following will now help to fund many of the charities the Lords loved.

While the current estate sits at over $40 million, more will be added since the death of Marie Lord this past October. A significant collection of show memorabilia and gifts from celebrity friends will be auctioned and added to the estate. The Lords' condominium, clothing made by Marie Lord, videos and more are expected to add a great deal to the existing funds.

The beneficiaries are named as: Hospice Hawaii, St. Francis Hospice Care Center, the Salvation Army's Hawai'i division, Eye of the Pacific Guide Dogs Inc., The Association for Retarded Citizens in Hawaii, the Bishop Museum, Variety Club of Honolulu, the Hawaiian Humane Society, the United Service Organizations, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Hawaii Public Television and the Hawaii Lions Eye Foundation. Each will receive between $32,000 and $340,000 per year.

The first season of Hawaii Five- 0 is now available in a seven-disc set that includes all 23 episodes along with Cocoon, the pilot movie. The proceeds of these sales will also be funneled into the Jack and Marie Lord Fund.

Currently, many items belonging to Jack and Marie Lord are on sale at eBay. A word of caution: Because of the uproar surrounding this estate, counterfeits are very likely to flood the marketplace. You'll want to verify the authenticity of everything you buy. More memorabilia is scheduled to hit eBay soon. For more information, visit http://www.jacklordpersonalmemorabilia.co m/. This will also give you a genuine link to the official eBay auction items.

For twelve seasons, Jack Lord portrayed a rugged yet fair detective to such a high degree that Hawaii Five- 0 consistently ranked in the Nielsen top 10 ratings. When he and his wife departed, they made it possible for many service organizations to keep providing the vital help others need. That's something as powerful as the show's heart-pounding theme song and something of which detective Steve McGarrett would certainly approve.

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