Aurora Rise Benefit Event August 25th & 26th

Everyone has heard about the tragedy that happened during the Dark Knight Rises movie in Aurora, Colorado and it’s about time that we stop talking about the asshole shooter and honor all the victims and their families.

All C’s Collectibles, a local comic shop which is not far from the theater where the tragic event took place has decided to host a silent auction where you will have a chance to win some amazing stuff and help all those who suffer cope. There has been a tremendous outpour of support to help get the event off the ground. It will be held over two days on August 25th and 26th, and will include a silent auction and in store appearances by several fantastic comic creators.

I never ask for money from any of my readers, but this time I am asking each and every one of you to take a moment, think about this event and what trageic events occured – and donate anything extra you may have to the silent auction. Not only are you donating money to a great cause but you will also win some great items! Just imagine if it were you sitting in the theater that night, or if a loved one was a victim. This is a very small way we can give back and help the victims cope with their loss and memories that will forever be embedded in their minds.

DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics, POW Entertainment, Top Cow Comics and many more have all made contributions. There have been some fantastic donations so far including a signed Amazing Spider-Man movie poster from Stan Lee, and a poster and guitar donated and signed by Scott Ian from Anthrax. Several comic artists have also given original artworks for the auction. These incredible items and more will be auctioned off on Saturday, August 25 at 6:30 PM. The silent auction will be located at a donated space in the Embassy Suites. All the proceeds from the auction will go to the Alex Sullivan Fund and the Aurora Victims Relief Fund.

Many prominent comic writers and artists have agreed to come out for an in-store signing on Sunday, August 26. Comic icon Steve Niles, author of 30 Days of Night, Dark Days, Criminal Macabre, and many more, will be in attendance. Dark Horse Comics legend and creator of Hellboy, Mike Mignola has been confirmed. Writer of the current The Invincible Iron Man run, Matt Fraction will also be joining, as well as All-Star Western artist Mortitat. More writers and artists have been in contact with the benefit and there are more appearances to be announced over the coming weeks.

Aurora Rise has begun to spread far beyond the city limits of Aurora, Colorado. There has been an overwhelming interest across the comic community to extend the event to future conventions and throughout other cities. So far, there is talk of branches at Dragon Con in Chicago, and even in the UK. There will also likely be a second event held in Aurora at a later date, probably mid-September, to accommodate more artists and writers who could not make it out for the first benefit signing. Volunteers associated with Denver Comic Con have set up Aurora Rise on Facebook, Twitter, and with its own website. They are currently working on setting up the infrastructure to expand the charity program through the Community First Foundation.

So remember, please check out the links above and donate!