Some things I want to share about Saturday at the con and at the auction:

Before John Ostrander had shown up at the convention, Mike Gold had mentioned to John that "some people" had donated "some artwork" for the auction.  It wasn't until John got there that saw everything at the booth that he fully knew how much was actually donated.  3 portfolio binders full of art, proofs, etc.  As well as numerous signed trades and comics.  He tried to hide it, but he was nearly in tears.  He was also wishing he could bid on some of the items up for sale!

While John was standing there going through everything and trying to process it all, many many people came up to him while he was standing there.  He was almost embarrassed by all the attention, but extremely grateful for everything that people were saying and doing for him.

At the auction itself, it seemed like everyone who talked to him and shook his hand had a "great Ostrander story" to share with him.  He left an incredible impression a great many people....  and I don't think he fully realized it until yesterday.  If you had listened to the podcast, when he spoke at the end to thank everyone I'm sure you would have heard the emotion in his voice.  He was literally in tears and extremely thankfully to one and all.

I'm a long-time fan of John Ostrander's work and I'm sorry to hear about his health problems.

Thanks for bringing this to people's attention, Gail. It sounds like the response has been great so far.

How about this...there are only 3 million other people who could use some help.

How about this...there are only 3 million other people who could use some help.

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Yes, Bob, you are 100% correct!!!  BUT this was something put together by friends of the person affected.  It is in no way affiliated with the that website.  If people want to donate to that site, by all means do so.  No one is stopping them.

Before John Ostrander had shown up at the convention, Mike Gold had mentioned to John that "some people" had donated "some artwork" for the auction.  It wasn't until John got there that saw everything at the booth that he fully knew how much was actually donated.  3 portfolio binders full of art, proofs, etc.  As well as numerous signed trades and comics.  He tried to hide it, but he was nearly in tears.  He was also wishing he could bid on some of the items up for sale!

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I've never met Ostrander and yet I'm moved. Thanks for sharing this with us.