In a year marked by devastation, the animation industry is coming together in a powerful way. ASIFA-Hollywood, in collaboration with artists, studios, and Sotheby’s, has launched AnimAID — a major fundraising campaign aimed at supporting animation professionals who were affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. The initiative, which began during the 52nd Annual Annie Awards, enters its most ambitious phase this April with a once-in-a-lifetime online auction featuring some of the most iconic and rare pieces from the world of animation.
From original Disney cels to Pixar drawings, from Nickelodeon memorabilia to LAIKA maquettes, the AnimAID auction is more than a collection — it’s a celebration of animation history and a lifeline for those who create it.
A cause driven by compassion and creativity
The wildfire crisis that swept through Southern California in late 2024 left dozens of animation families displaced or without homes. Recognizing the urgent need, ASIFA-Hollywood — the global animation society best known for the Annie Awards — launched AnimAID with a singular goal: to provide direct relief to artists, technicians, and support staff in the animation field who were impacted by the disaster.
“This isn’t just about money — it’s about standing with our own,” says Aubry Mintz, Executive Director of ASIFA-Hollywood and AnimAID. “It’s about honoring the people behind the characters and stories we all love.”
With help from top studios and private collectors, AnimAID evolved from a grassroots idea into a full-fledged charitable auction that spans over 90 years of animation artistry.
Auction details: When and where to bid
The AnimAID online auction, hosted by Sotheby’s, will take place from April 23 to April 30, 2025, with in-person viewing available April 11–15 at Sotheby’s New York galleries.
| Auction Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Gallery Exhibition | April 11–15 |
| Online Bidding Opens | April 23 |
| Online Bidding Closes | April 30 |
All auction proceeds will go directly to assist over 70 families in the animation industry who suffered from the effects of the wildfires.
A treasure trove of animation history
The items up for auction read like a visual history of animation’s greatest achievements. Many of the pieces are one-of-a-kind originals, donated by legendary studios such as Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation, LAIKA, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, and Paramount.
Notable highlights include:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Original drawing of Woody and Buzz | A 30th-anniversary Toy Story illustration by John Lasseter |
| Mickey Mouse cel (1988) | From the rare TV special Here’s to You, Mickey Mouse! |
| SpongeBob cel | From the viral episode Nature Pants, showing an exhausted SpongeBob |
| Emily character design | Original artwork by Tim Burton and Carlos Grangel for Corpse Bride |
| Pinocchio 3D faces | Used in Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022), stored in pizza boxes |
| ParaNorman maquette | Hand-sculpted by Kent Melton, donated from LAIKA Archives |
| LEGO filmmaker figurines | Signed by Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Dan Lin (The LEGO Movie) |
| Simpsons production cel | Homer breaking up Bart and Lisa’s antics |
| Waterbending storyboard | From Avatar: The Last Airbender, signed by the creators |
These aren’t just art pieces — they’re cultural touchstones, encapsulating moments of joy, humor, drama, and innovation.
Exclusive experiences: Meet your animation heroes
Beyond collectibles, AnimAID offers rare experiential lots that bring fans closer to the world of animation than ever before.
| Experience | Description |
|---|---|
| Custom character design | By Nico Marlet (Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon) |
| Voice a character in GOAT | Sony Pictures Animation offers a guest voice role in their upcoming film |
| Studio tours | Private, behind-the-scenes visits to Disney, DreamWorks, Sony, and Lucasfilm |
| Meet the creators | One-on-one sessions with artists, directors, and animators |
| VIP Schulz Museum day | Includes exclusive access to Charles M. Schulz’s private studio, hands-on demos, ice skating, and lunch at the Warm Puppy Café |
“This is the kind of access fans and collectors dream of,” says Ian Ferreyra de Bone, Sotheby’s Luxury Division Managing Director. “But now, it’s more than a dream — it’s a way to help those who’ve shaped our childhoods and imaginations.”
Why this auction matters now
The stakes go far beyond collectibles and fandom. The animation industry is often invisible to the public — long hours, tight budgets, and little recognition outside awards season. When crisis hits, animators are often left without the safety nets available to larger film or tech sectors.
AnimAID is about changing that.
“This is the first large-scale event of its kind for animation relief,” says Mintz. “It proves that this community stands together when it matters most.”
It also highlights a growing awareness that animation is more than children’s entertainment — it’s an art form that deserves preservation, celebration, and protection.
How you can participate
Whether you’re a fan, a collector, or simply want to give back, there are several ways to support AnimAID:
- Browse the auction lots at sothebys.com/animaid-the-art-of-animation
- Bid online from April 23 to 30
- Visit the exhibit in New York (April 11–15) if you’re nearby
- Spread the word on social media using #AnimAID
Your bid doesn’t just win a piece of animation history — it helps rebuild lives and homes for the artists who bring stories to life.
Celebrate the storytellers behind the scenes
From the ink lines of Snow White to the 3D textures of Spider-Verse, animation continues to enchant generations. But behind every frame are real people — artists, modelers, voice actors, and technicians whose creativity powers the stories we love.
AnimAID: The Art of Animation is a moment to give back, reconnect with the legacy of animation, and be part of something much larger than a single film or franchise.
