NYCC 2023: Charity Art Auction Has Raised Over $1 Million For St. Jude’s
by Tom Smithyman
Mike Negin had one goal at his charity art auction at New York Comic Con: hit $1 million in donations over the sale’s 13 years.
Going into the evening, past NYCC auctions netted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital just over $900,000, so Negin was determined to cross the milestone. But the most the auction had ever raised was $74,000 in last year’s event.
The comic community – artists and collectors alike – responded with over 300 pieces of art, which raised $125,502.
“It was raining art,” Negin said. “Everyone brought their A-game.”
In fact, artist donated so many pieces that they couldn’t all be offered during the live auction. The organizers are exploring other venues to offer the art to collectors.
Some of the evening’s early big-ticket items included a Stephanie Lavaud painting of Captain America holding Thor’s hammer, which was signed by actor Chris Evans, which went for $1900; a Wonder Woman drawing by Jenny Frision, which sold for $2000; and covers by Kevin Eastman and Dan Mora, which went for $2100 and $2000 respectively.
Creators also donated some unique items, including Adidas sneakers signed and sketched on by rapper DMC and a special edition of the Marvel Knights Daredevil series signed by Kevin Smith and Charlie Cox, and remarked by Joe Quesada, which drove up bidding to $2500.
I got into the action as well, picking up two Batman pieces from artist Sedat Oezgen.
St. Jude’s is known for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The hospital does not change families for treatment and relies solely on donations for support. You can donate directly to the fund here.
