MARY ANN STARS AT SENIOR FUN FEST

Dawn Wells finally made it off that island and headed to Cape Girardeau.

Wells, best known as Mary Ann on "Gilligan's Island," highlighted Southeast Missouri Hospital's Senior Fun Fest Saturday at the Show Me Center.

Wells walked on an island decorated stage and said she enjoyed the time she spen with the television show.

"It is timeless," she said. "It was clean with no violence and no sex. It was funny and silly comedy and is still a favorite all over the world."

She said she is still recognized all over the world as Mary Ann.

"Mary Ann has an influence on many people," she said. "Mary Ann was the `good girl' image."

Wells said her work with the Children's Miracle Network Telethon was very important to her.

For more a decade, Wells has been the telethon's co-host and co-producer. She said her work with the charity has enabled her to cross paths with many people.

"I have met children that crossed my path that changed my world," said Wells.

She said her friendship with a young cystic fibrosis patient, the late Missy Braden of Popular Bluff was an inspiration to her.

"Missy was a fighter and helped other children," said Wells.

"She became a guardian angel to me. If it was not for the Miracle Network I would have never known her," she said.

Wells told the crowd that Braden was the inspiration for her "Quick Change" line of clothing, which uses Velcro closures for those who have difficulty dressing. Models displayed the clothing line during her presentation.

More than 2,800 senior adults from Southeast Missouri and Illinois, attended the event. Seniors 55 and over were entertained with food, music and fun.

Some traveled miles to attend the event. Mary Lou Bates, 66, Alyce Toth, 66, and Virgina Surgalski, 68, drove from Zigler, Ill. together.

"We got here at 10 a.m. so we wouldn't be late," said Bates.

Toth said she was glad she attended. "The best part of the day has been the free gifts and of course the food," she said.

The seats in the bingo area of the Fest filled with 1,000 bingo players. Free box lunches were served to attendees.

Later Wells autographed copies of the "Gilligan's Island" cookbook. She said the recipes are all from her own families collection. "The publishers asked me to write a book. So I decided on a cookbook, Mary Ann likes to cook."

She said all proceeds from the sale of the book during the Senior Fest would go into the Missy Branden college scholarship fund at her alma mater, Stephens College.

More than 20 businesses donated food, gifts, prizes, and other items to this year's Fest. The festival has been held since 1984.