LOS ANGELES -- June 6, 2005 -- The webbed wonder has reached a new height this week on the world wide web with the launch of the largest private Spider-Man memorabilia collection in the world through eBay through Giving Works, the dedicated program for charity listings. Being dubbed "Spider-Man Starlight Starbright," the 1000+ Spider-Man items are from the 30-year collection of Ilia Carson-Letelier, who began collecting "anything Spider-Man" as a child.
Being auctioned off by premier auction management agency Gazin Auctions, highlights of the collection include original art used in one of the earlier issues of the comic book, vintage Spider-Man personal appearance costumes from three different decades, and Marvel Comics Spider-Man cuff links only given to executives at Marvel.
"This was a huge part of me, but it was time to let it go," commented Carson-Letelier, co-owner of Meltdown, the largest comics and collectibles store on the West Coast. "I wanted to help children with the proceeds of this auction -- my own son as well as the wonderful kids of Starlight Starbright (SLSB), who deserve to see their dreams come true," added Carson-Letelier. She is donating 10% of the final hammer price to the charity, which at the opening $80,000 bid price, means at least $8,000 to Starlight Starbright.
Andy Trilling, Director of Development for SLSB, is appreciative of the generosity and excited about taking part in the event. "Our mission is to transform the lives of seriously ill children through imaginative programs that educate, uplift and foster a sense of community and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness. Funds raised from this auction will directly benefit some of our most seriously ill children," commented Trilling.
Special items from the collection are available for viewing prior to and during the eBay auction at Meltdown in Los Angeles at 7522 West Sunset Blvd. According to Eric Gazin, President of Gazin Auctions, this auction is a major achievement on many levels. "It is truly unique in its scope and rarity. We expect a major collector, entrepreneur, or museum to jump at the opportunity to acquire an unrivaled Spider-Man collection of this caliber. The fact that a worthy cause like Starlight Starbright benefits too, makes this a special opportunity to do good and receive something in return as well."
To see the auction on eBay, please visit www.ebay.com/spider beginning June 6th.
About Gazin Auctions
Gazin Auctions is a premier auction management agency specializing in high impact and high value eBay auctions. The company has seven years of eBay strategy and experience to offer customers expert consignment listing for businesses, charities, or collectors. A Gold Level eBay PowerSeller, they are on the web at: http://www.gazinauctions.com.
About Starlight Starbright
The Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is an international non-profit organization that transforms the lives of seriously ill children and their families through imaginative programs that educate, uplift their spirits, foster a sense of community, and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness. Starlight Starbright offers an impressive array of in-hospital, outpatient, school and home-based programs and services that touch the lives of more than 180,000 children and families each month. To learn more about the organization, visit the web site at www.starlight.org.
