“Help the Hodges” Cartoon Auction Underway

The National Cartoonists Society Foundation, the charitable “arm” of the NCS, is sponsoring an auction of original cartoon art to benefit the family of an animator who’s son is in a coma as a result of a horrific car accident back in August. The effort is called “Help the Hodges“, and it’s being organized by current NCSF board member Chad Frye. Here’s their story:

On August 22, 2009 Matthew Hodge, the 17-year-old son of former Disney story artist and Big Idea productions director Tim Hodge, was in a serious auto accident. A train struck his car at 50mph as he was crossing the tracks. While Matt suffered neither broken bones nor any internal organ damage, he did receive severe head trauma causing him to remain in a state of coma today. Matt is a high school senior, a straight A student, and a drummer in his state championship marching band.

Being self-employed, the Hodge family has short term medical insurance that will not fully cover all of their bills. Additionally, with the care they are giving Matt, full-time work is not possible for Tim right now. This loving family is relying on their faith and the love of family and friends for their survival. This is a tragic accident that will forever affect their lives as the road to recovery for Matt may be a long one.

In an effort to help the Hodge family, the National Cartoonists Society Foundation is getting involved by hosting a fund-raising auction to be held on eBay. The NCSF is a fully licensed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that not only helps fund educational endeavors for cartooning, but is there to help cartoonists in dire circumstances like the Hodges.

To keep up with Matthew’s condition, go to www.CaringBridge.org/visit/matthodge.

As a former board member of the NCSF, I can say that any cause theu choose to support is a worthy cause indeed. If you’d like to bid on some of the amazing collection of artwork now up for auction, follow this link:

Help the Hodges eBay Auction

It’s a great opportunity to get some fantastic original cartoon art form some of the biggest names in the business, and to help out a family in need.

Here’s a link to a recent LA Times article on the auction and the Help the Hodge’s cause.