Tell Cancer to Get “LOST” with Jo Garfein’s Charity Auction

Interviewed by Danielle Turchiano

We here at IBG Inc have found great success in online memorabilia auctions as a way to raise additional money for the causes we support, which is why when we came across television blogger Jo Garfein‘s “Cancer Gets LOST” auction, we knew we had found a kindred spirit. Garfein wrote about the acclaimed ABC drama LOST for a number of years and cultivated strong relationships with everyone from the show’s stars to behind-the-scenes personnel and creators. As a fan of the shows she covers, Garfein had also managed to acquire a large amount of memorabilia in general, so when she was approached by a friend to collaborate on a fundraising event, she immediately thought of the good a large number of LOST fans could do. And voila, Cancer Gets LOST was born.

Garfein was gracious enough to take some time out of her busy auction and party planning schedule to chat with IBG Inc about the “why” behind the auction the the very special cause she selected to be the beneficiary, The National Brain Tumor Society. Plus which castmember(s) will be attending the party in Los Angeles?

What inspired you to combine your love of television with charity with your Cancer Gets LOST auction?

Jo Garfein: I wrote about LOST extensively for several years, which resulted in amazing connections and great friendships with several of the LOST writing/producing staff and actors. I met the majority of them via social media and at charity events in Los Angeles, where I acquired a sizable amount of memorabilia.  The entire cast and crew of LOST , as well as the vast LOST fan community, are extremely generous on the whole, and their collective spirit inspired me to start giving away these items on my site in exchange for donations made to the National Brain Tumor Society. So when my friend Jared approached me in 2010 about collaborating on a fundraising event, we created Cancer Gets LOST. I’d never called in any favors with LOST alum friends until that time, when we started collecting rare and signed memorabilia for the Cancer Gets LOST auction. Everyone has been tremendously kind and many have contributed/autographed amazing items.

What are some of your auction highlights or favorite pieces you want to make sure fans know about?

Garfein: There are a few very special items in the auction.  Take your pick!

• An original 30×40 acrylic painting of Desmond from LOST; artist drMikey meticulously painted Desmond’s lines of dialogue into his hair and beard.
•  A Once Upon a Time Pilot script signed by the entire cast; this version is rare, unedited and features salty language (written and donated by show runners Eddy Horowitz and Adam Kitsis).
• Set-used LOST beach furniture, donated by show runner Damon Lindelof (3 tables, 2 chairs).
• A very rare 24×48 LOST Drive Shaft poster that was created by the Property Master as a gift and has never before been released.  It was donated by producer/writer Gregg Nations and signed by Dominic Monaghan.
• The first 2 pages of sheet music to “UnLocke’d Potential” from the iconic LOST episode “Walkabout” – donated and signed by composer Michael Giacchino.
• An autographed script from the most beloved LOST episode, “The Constant” – signed by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse.

Tell us little bit about why you have selected the National Brain Tumor Society as the beneficiary from this auction.

Garfein:  My dear friend Jackie was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008, so Jared and I agreed that 100% of the proceeds from the CGL auction, webcast and party would benefit Jackie’s charity of choice, the National Brain Tumor Society. Jackie passed away less than two weeks ago, after bravely battling brain tumors and cancer for four years. We are more motivated and inspired than ever, to honor her memory and support her cause.

What is your message or main goal of this auction? How do you hope to inspire change?

Garfein:   The number one goal of our auction and events is to raise money for and awareness of the National Brain Tumor Society.  Because this year alone, more than 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a brain tumor. We hope to inspire people to realize that they can make a difference for as little as $10; that a winning bid for an autographed LOST trading card will go directly to the NBTS, help to fund research programs and provide families like Jackie’s with the information and support that they need.

You are hosting a party in Los Angeles to celebrate this cause, as well. Can you hint at some of the special guests who may be appearing? What else can fans look forward to at the party?

Garfein: We are still in the process of confirming special guests for the party at Monk Space in LA on 8/25 from 7pm-11pm PST (due to their filming schedules, most of the actors are tentative for both the webcast and party). However, we can announce that actress Andrea Gabriel will be there! She played Nadia for 6 seasons on LOST, is currently filming an arc on Gossip Girl and is in the final Twilightfilm – “Breaking Dawn, Part 2.”

Who, if anyone, in the arts and/or philanthropy has been an inspiration for you in your own endeavors?

Garfein:  A few years ago, I attended a charity benefit in Los Angeles called “LOST Weekend,” where 100% of the proceeds from the event and auction benefitted J.J. Abrams’ charity of choice, the Children’s Defense Fund. I am equally inspired by his films/television programs and his extremely generous nature.

Bidding for the Cancer Gets LOST auction is open as of August 15th 2012 and will run through the end of the month. Check out the items available, all for charity, here.

And if you’re in L.A. on the 25th of August, come down to the party and show your support for the fantastic work Garfein and Cancer Gets LOST have done!