There was a 20-something female a couple of years back who hosted a website asking donors to send her money to help get her out of debt. I think she had well over $20,000 in credit card debt (avid shopper) and there were quite a few donations that got her about half way out.
That was SaveKaryn.com She got all of her debt paid off, plus more. She got a lot of TV time and a world-wide book tour out of it, too. Not bad for a broke loser. I admire her moxey. Wish I had thought of it first. I would've gladly put up with Freeper derision on my way to the bank. ;)
http://www.savekaryn.com
But, I still wouldn't take her financial advice, LOL! She appears to have morphed into some sort of Debt Guru, now. *Rolleyes*