Toy Shop Magazine To Conduct Auction For Hurricane Katrina Relief

Iola, Wis. — September 27, 2005 — Toy Shop magazine and F+W Publications announce a fund-raising event that will benefit the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Fund. Toy Shop, with the help of online facilitators Charity Folks, will conduct a toy auction of one-of-a-kind collectible toys, many of which have never been available to the general public.

Toy manufacturers have lined up to donate products ranging from an extremely limited-edition prop replica Conan the Barbarian sword to 1:64-scale fire engines that have long sold out on retail shelves. More than 45 lots will be offered in the auction, which will begin September 27, 2005, and end October 11, 2005.

“This is an amazing opportunity to donate to a great cause while also obtaining some of the best toys ever offered in one venue,” said Toy Shop Editor Tom Bartsch. “We are extremely proud to be able to put this event together and very thankful to all of the toy manufacturers who have donated to the project.”

Companies such as Master Replicas, Sideshow Collectibles, Diamond Select Toys, Palisades Entertainment, United Cutlery and Albion/Film Swords have donated collectible toys for the auction. Some of the items include:

• Conan the Barbarian’s Father Sword from Albion/Film Swords (only 10 produced, retails for $10,000)
• Master Replicas Lightsabers signed by Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Tamura Morrison and Ray Park
• Sideshow Collectibles Lord of the Rings statues
• Toynami Robotech Dream Collection Toynami, featuring matching-number artist proofs.
• Daredevil comics (signed by Joe Quesada) from Diamond Select Toys
• FDNY American LaFrance Pumper E-34, 1:64-scale from Code 3 Collectibles
• Hulk Hogan Statue prototype from First4Figures
• And much more!

To view the auction, log on to www.charityfolks.com and look for the Toy Shop/American Red Cross auction.
Toy Shop is published by F+W Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio, a special interest publisher serving hobbyists and enthusiasts in categories such as writing, fine art, genealogy, crafts, antiques, various collectibles and outdoors.