Howdy Folks,
David's sister and I, with David's blessing, have been auctioning selected
parts of his collection on Ebay. Many individuals have expressed sadness
that David is selling these things and the state of his health.
Well, David gave this collection to his sister Trudy and his mom. Their
instructions from David was to give the collection to his daughters.
Whatever they didn't want they were supposed to auction off on Ebay and put
in a fund for his daughters. David wanted this stuff to end up in the hands
of someone who would appreciate it. His daughters had already selected what
they wanted to keep and David still has a collection of "memories" that he
holds on to. The things for auction are for those who appreciate them. David
will be happy that the winners of the auction get joy from the items they
win. To this end David has signed over 100 Letters of Authentication and
over two dozen prints.
David is also in poor health and is terminal, save some dramatic change
which we all pray and hope for. The details of his illness are private.
Currently, he is surrounded by many good hearted people that care for him,
bring him meals, and keep him company. Still, his health care will no doubt
incur expenses over the next year or more.
A number of people have emailed or posted to the internet, among well wishes
for David, a desire to contribute to a fund in addition to or in lieu of the
auction. After talking to David's sister Trudy (BigSisTrudy@aol.com) we
decided to link a PayPal account to the savings account where the proceeds
from the sale of David's collection will be deposited. The savings account
is earmarked for David's estate and will take care of health expenses
incurred. The remainder will go to his two daughters.
David has not been able to work for over a year. He really doesn't know how
much of an impact he has had on all of us but he is starting to see it. I
have forwarded well wishes to him from emails and posts on various forums.
In particular, the amount of interest and prices for his artwork affirm his
importance to us as an artist.
Case in point, in 1999 the original artwork for the Monster Manual cover
done by David went for $4,500. The original DMG cover sold for over $6,000!
His ink illustration The Paladin in Hell sold recently for nearly $1,200. I
can't think of any other role playing game artist who's pieces have fetched
nearly as much.
So, if you want one of the items in David's collection, bid vigorously, he
wants you to have it and take joy in it. If you are not bidding or are out
of contention for an item and want to contribute, PayPal transfers may be
made to David's older sister Trudy at
BigSisTrudy@aol.com (a PayPal Personal account, no credit cards). If you would like to send a contribution by mail please email Trudy at
BigSisTrudy@aol.com for her address.
The auction link is:
http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d...t=3&page=1&rows=50&since=-1&showpics=1&stab=0
The most important contribution is, of course, your sentiments to David.
Whether you bid or not, drop a note to Trudy at
BigSisTrudy@aol.com and she
will print it and mail it on to David. All correspondence regarding David
will be forwarded to him. Much has already been sent and more will be.
Futures Bright,
Paul J. Stormberg
stormber@cox.net
