Andy Mangels send word that the Wonder Woman Day of charity went very well, raising more than $15,000 to fund two women’s shelters.
America’s most famous super-heroine was the star at the first-ever “Wonder Woman Day” event at Excalibur Comics in Portland on October 29th. The free all-ages event, organized by best-selling author Andy Mangels, included a trio of comic book artists signing Wonder Woman comics, as well as a silent art auction with over 100 of the world’s top artists contributing original art, plus raffles, costumes, rare memorabilia, and more. In the aftermath of the event, the total amount raised was determined, with 100% of all monies going to two of Portland’s most protective women and children’s shelters — Raphael House and Bradley-Angel House. The total raised was $15,405.33!
Jessica Elkin, Director of Development of Raphael House of Portland notes that the charity, “Andy Mangels and his event ‘Wonder Woman Day’ at Excalibur Comics made a critical difference in the lives of thousands of women and children in this community fleeing domestic violence. Every year Raphael House of Portland serves 350 women and children, because of the support of ‘Wonder Woman Day,’ the dedication of Mr. Mangels and the generous contributions of participating artists throughout the world we are able to serve 70 people in our emergency domestic violence shelter!”
Continuing, Elkin says, “Mr. Mangels utilized and embraced the power of the most famous super-heroine of our time to inspire and educate comic book lovers and those dedicated to eradicating domestic violence. It is hard to know what kind of difference Wonder Woman has made in the last fifty years, but today, Andy Mangels and all the artists and companies who contributed have collectively made a difference in the lives of thousands in this community.”
Kristan Knapp, Development Director of Bradley-Angle House, says, “Bradley-Angle House is always excited when members of the community develop an idea for raising money to assist women and children escaping domestic violence. Andy Mangels’ creative ‘Wonder Woman Day’ celebration offered Wonder Woman fans and comic book readers in general an opportunity to do something locally to stop abuse between intimate partners. Not only did the event raise awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it raised more than $15,000 to fund the daily operations of two local domestic violence shelters.”
Knapp added, “Events produced by community members directly support our Emergency Shelter Program, serving more than 100 women and children annually. Thank you to Excalibur Books, Andy Mangels, all the artists that donated their illustrations, and everyone else that helped make this a very successful fundraiser. At Bradley-Angle House we know how the determination of one person can make a difference in the lives of others. We know Wonder Woman would be pleased!”
Producer of the event was Andy Mangels, a best-selling author and DVD documentary director. “The scope of the event was astonishing. We had attendees in ages from babies to eighties! A cool moment came when two little girls dressed as Wonder Woman posed with the exquisite Lynda Carter life-size mannequin on display. The artists signing — Terry Dodson, Matt Clark, and Anne Timmons — all had a great time, and the art auction was full of people bidding generously, and rounds of applause for the high bidders.”
“Lots of people have asked if there will be another ‘Wonder Woman Day’ event, or something similar,” says Mangels, who had previously produced a 2001 benefit book for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund that raised around $7,000. “It certainly seems likely, given the tremendous support locally from our community, and internationally from artists and companies who donated artwork, merchandise, and prizes. My thanks to everyone who helped raise both awareness and this fantastic amount, which will go to help heal families in need.”
The event was filmed for an episode of the Canadian TV crew from the show FANatical, for 2007 broadcast.
The contributors to the Art Auction and raffles are included below. Scans of all art and photos of contributed items will remain on display at www.wonderwomanmuseum.com
TOP 15 BIDS
While most pieces went for around $50-250, here are the top 15 pieces and their winning bid prices:
Alex Ross $4,000
Adam Hughes $777
Terry Dodson $500
Ryan Sook $400
Jose Luis Garcia Lopez $377
Paul Gulacy $350
Howard Bender $333
Jaime Hernandez $330
Michael Allred $325
Matt Haley $300
Gary Frank $300
Joseph M. Linsner $300
Stephen Sadowski $295
John Romita $285
Dave Johnson $275
