Community Rallies To Save Local 'Superman' In Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN, IL --- Most people in Glen Ellyn know who Jonathan Charbonneau is, but they don't know him by name. They know him as Superman because he's most often seen wearing a Superman costume to local festivals and other events. People also recognize Charbonneau, 52, because he has lived in the same apartment in downtown Glen Ellyn for nearly 30 years, something he abruptly found out will have to change, according to a GoFundMe started in his honor.

According to the GoFundMe page started by his friend Julie Spiller, Charbonneau, who is on the autism spectrum, was recently sent a 30-day notice from his new landlord saying his month-to-month arrangement would end and he'd have to move. Charbonneau's friend says the landlord later agreed to renew Charbonneau's lease, but with a rent increase of 75 percent.

That's when Spiller decided it was time to save Superman.

As someone with autism, Charbonneau can be "reluctant to big changes like moving," Spiller writes on the GoFundMe description. Spiller started the fundraiser Monday to help raise funds to help Charbonneau pay his current increased rent until he can secure a home that would provide easy access to downtown trains.

Spiller's goal was to raise $4,500. As of Thursday, the campaign had raised more than $23,000.

Spiller wrote in an update that any additional funds will be put into a trust for Charbonneau. She wrote that he is "truly always looking out for everyone else, just like Superman does," adding that she
"told him that is fine...we can pick up the slack and shoulder some burden for him. Just like Superman."

Click the link to donate to the GoFundMe for Jonathan Charbonneau.

Image via GoFundMe; Patch is a GoFundMe partner