Helping the Hodges!

If you’re reading this, chances are you are a part of the online art community. And if so, you know how pretty huge it is! There are so many artists online these days, that it’s pretty easy to miss when something big is happening. Thankfully, with so many voices, word travels fast. Not only is this helpful when there’s an art thief on the loose, but it can also bring a world-wide community of artists together for a great cause.

Case in the point: Matthew Hodge.

Here’s his 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.

To help the Hodges get through this hard time, the National Cartoonists Society Foundation has taken them under their wing and organized a fundraising auction on eBay. Illustrators, Cartoonists, Concept Artists, anyone who can pick up a pencil have contributed their artwork to help raise money for the family. Interested in helping out? Bid on any one of the amazing pieces of art that are up for auction on eBay right now. Here are just a few to choose from:

To find out more about Matthew Hodge and this cause, check out the Help the Hodges site, or go straight to the NCS Foundation eBay Store.