Superheroes feel essential right now. Superheroes for Minnesota is a coalition of writers, illustrators, and comic creators who believe this is a moment for collective action in support of vulnerable communities. The group has organized an auction to aid immigrant families and neighbors affected by ICE raids and federal policies in Minnesota and across the United States. Proceeds will benefit organizations that provide legal services, emergency relief, food, and other critical community resources.
The auction features donations from industry veterans, including Bill Sienkiewicz, Fabian Nicieza, and The Hildebrandt estate, alongside contemporary talents such as David Nakayama, David Talaski, Greg Stegbauer, Chris Fenoglio, Leah Williams, and Erica Schultz. Voice actors from X-Men ’97, Star Wars: Rebels, and Fallout have contributed items, as have creators connected to X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97. Letterers Janice Chiang and Ariana Maher are also offering their services as part of the fundraiser.
The silent auction is currently in preview mode. Bidding opens Friday, February 20 at 12:15 a.m. CST and closes Monday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. CST. Interested supporters can view items and place bids here.
Daryl Lawrence, who leads the Superheroes for Minnesota initiative, shared his motivation for launching the effort:
“When confronted with such a sizable challenge to how the world can and should work and, frankly, the horrors of what is being visited upon my home state, my immediate reaction was to find a way I could help. I was so inspired by the Publishing for Minnesota auction, and I knew the comics and fandom communities could do something along the same lines, they just needed a nudge. So, I started talking to people, they talked to others they knew, and now we have so many wonderful items donated for a great cause. I’m proud of each of our donors who, like me, want to do something to help. Our friends in the publishing world started the ball rolling, now it’s time for us to add to their efforts and show the world what we can do, too!”
How fans can support this cause:
- Register to bid on the website.
- Place a bid- or more than one!
- Win!
- After you win, donate your total winning amount to one of the listed organizations.
- Send proof of your donation, along with what auction you won, in response to a message you will be sent from one of us after the auction closes.
- You will then be sent your item! (US shipping only)
Winning bids will have 48 hours to show confirmation of donation to one of the following organizations. Any winning bid over $100 may be subject to verification by us with the receiving organization prior to item shipment.
THE AUCTION BENEFITS:
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: ILCM is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Women’s Foundation of Minnesota: IRRF is a coalition of philanthropic leaders rooted in communities most impacted by immigration-related harm. IRRF ensures that resources move quickly, responsibly, and with community accountability to trusted organizations responding to immigration-related emergencies across Minnesota.
Midwest Immigrant Bond Fund: The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund pays out bonds for residents of, and people detained in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and fights for the abolition of immigration detention.
Dios Habla Hoy Church Food Distribution (South Minneapolis): DHH Operation is a community outreach effort led by DHH Church to provide food and urgent assistance to families in need. This church is located in South Minneapolis, and they’ve been doing incredible food distribution to folks who are staying home and avoiding public spaces due to fear and uncertainty caused by immigration enforcement.
Community Aid Network MN: Community Aid Network (CANMN) is a grassroots volunteer-led organization located in the Bancroft neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. We work to build solidarity with our neighbors, organize volunteers and redistribute resources to ensure everyone has the means for dignified survival.
Central Area Neighborhood Development:The Central Neighborhood Care Team (Central Care Team), is one of six strategically organized groups within a larger group of Central Neighborhood residents organizing with a twofold mission: relationship building and resistance. This GoFundMe raises funds for critical rent assistance as families stay home.
For support across the country:
Immigrant Defense Project: IDP fights to end the current era of unprecedented mass criminalization, detention, and deportation through a multipronged strategy including advocacy, litigation, legal advice and training, community defense, grassroots alliances, and strategic communications.
HandsOffNYC: Provide resources for neighborhood groups as they stand against ICE kidnappings. Whether it’s training over 1000 people at once at our borough trainings or making sure that local spotters have basic supplies like whistles and handouts, your donation will directly impact our ability to build and expand the movement.
