Former Contestants of CBS 'Survivor' Visit Mackinac Island

Former CBS Survivors at Grand Hotel are (from left) Twila Tanner, Cirie Fields, Rafe Judkins, Brandon Bellinger, Neleh Dennis with son, Kai, Ms. Field's husband, H.B., Tina Wesson, Jake Billingsley, and Lisa Keiffer.

Nine former contestants from CBS's reality series "Survivor" visited Mackinac Island Monday, June 19, for a day trip after volunteering their time for a fundraiser in Traverse City to benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and Rupert's Kids, two nonprofit organizations that strive to benefit children's lives through research and involvement.

Bringing the Survivors over to the Island was kind of an extra thank-you, said Tammy Schuster, the event's organizer. Nine Survivors were able to visit the Island, although 19 were in Mackinaw City.

Lisa Keiffer, who was originally on "Survivor: Vanuatu," said she had never been on the Island and was thrilled to come because of its connection to "Somewhere in Time," one of her favorite movies. The soundtrack from the film even played during her wedding ceremony.

"I love it," she said. "It's my dream to be here because of 'Somewhere in Time'."

Tina Wesson, the winner from "Survivor: Outback," was also on the Island for the first time.

"I'm an official fudgie," she said. "It is so gorgeous, and

absolutely beautiful." Ms. Wesson also said that she also is a fan of "Somewhere in Time," and was excited to be on the Island where it was filmed.

Brandon Bellinger, who was involved with "Survivor: Guatemala," said he felt that one of the Island's biggest charms is its use of horses rather than cars.

"It's a really interesting island," he said. "The fact that there are no motorized vehicles is really cool."

"It certainly doesn't remind me of the island I was on in Thailand!" laughed Jake Billingsley, who was stranded on an Island for "Survivor: Thailand.

"It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been ever," he said. "Everyone here is just so friendly and nice."

While on the Island, the Survivors paid a visit to Grand Hotel, enjoyed lunch at the Yankee Rebel Tavern, and visited the downtown shops to get a taste of the Mackinac visitor experience.