Starting this Thursday, January 21, there will be a very special auction of comic and cartoon art to to help the family of my friend and colleague, former Disney story artist and Big Idea productions director, Tim Hodge. If you’re a fan of animation, you will certainly be familiar with Tim’s work, even if you don’t know his name.

I worked with Tim while at Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, but didn’t get to really know him until he gave me a call several years later to help out on the Veggie Tales feature film The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything. Not only is he an amazing director and story-man (one of my favorites), but he is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

Now Tim and his family need some help and the animation and cartooning communities have come to his aide. The following is from www.helpthehodges.com:

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.

Please take the time to visit the site and check out all l the amazing work that has been donated for this auction. If you are a collector, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! If you aren’t able to bid on any of these items, but can put together a few bucks, please consider donating to this family—remember, it is a tax deductible donation and there is a Paypal link on the site.

Visit www.helpthehodges.com for more info.