AnimeCons.co.uk Press Releases


September 19, 2009

Anime celebrities auction autographed memorabilia to aid injured boy

HOUSTON, TX - September 18, 2009 --- Several industry notables have autographed numerous anime collectibles including posters, DVDs and postcards to be sold in an online auction to raise money for a Minnesota family who recently faced an unexpected, tragic situation.

On July 21, 2009, seven-year-old Ian Hoy was walking home from swimming lessons with his older brother, 13-year-old Patrick. They were at a crosswalk when Ian, believing it was safe to cross, was struck by a car causing massive internal wounds and traumatic brain injury. Now, almost two months later, after weeks in a coma and with a titanium plate now in his head, Ian has made incredible progress. He is re-learning how to do everything from walking and talking to dressing and feeding himself.

Thankfully, Ian is now on the road to recovery. Although dad, Stephen, is employed, Ian's Mom Robbi has been her son's side the entire time, unable to work. This situation has caused an incredible financial hardship on the family. The Hoys, longtime friends of Tiffany Grant (Evangelion, Chrono Crusade), are good, hard-working people who just need a little help in a difficult time. We hope this fundraiser can help get them through this rough patch and on to a brighter future. Please note that 100% of proceeds will go directly to the established fund to benefit Ian Hoy -- no actors or companies are keeping any of the profits.

To see Ian's whole story or get updates, read more here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ianhoy We have many fantastic items generously donated by FUNimation Entertainment, New Generation Pictures -- courtesy of Jonathan Klein (Hellsing, 3x3 Eyes) -- as well as a few things from Tiffany Grant's personal collection. Thanks to Carrie Savage (Ikki Tousen, XXXHOLiC) and Clarine Harp (Burst Angel, Negima!) who helped gather signatures. The sale begins this Sunday, September 20, at approximately 7pm CDT (GMT - 6hrs) and will run for one week. International bids are welcome. The auction is being hosted on eBay by Power Seller, Joe Grisaffi (Cyberteam in Akihabara, Saiyuki). This is a full list of available merchandise (more detailed descriptions are on each auction page):

Please note that some of these signatures are now pretty much impossible to get because some actors (Rachel Hirschfeld, Megan Harvey, J. D. Stone) are in still school and can't take time off to go to conventions. Others have become quite successful in mainstream TV & movies and no longer have time to attend anime cons: Yuri Lowenthal now works on Ben 10, Legion of Super Heroes and other major titles, and J. B. Blanc is busy filming TV shows like Raising the Bar and The Unit.

Additionally, most of these items are rare and out of print. All items - except the 2 DVDs and FMA box - are nicely framed and ready for display on your wall or desk.

To bid on any of these items, please go to Shop eBay-Hamburgerman or visit www.ebay.com and search for seller "hamburgerman." For more information, please contact Tiffany Grant at [email protected]. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CROSS POST THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WHEREVER YOU THINK IT WILL HELP!