Online Auction To Help Kim Family

Jan. 3 - KGO (KGO) -- An online auction is underway to raise money for the Kim family of San Francisco. Their story of survival marred by tragedy in the Oregon snows galvanized the country. James Kim died last month trying to find help for his stranded family.

The online auction began today on eBay and will stay up for the next five days. It was organized by two sisters, one from San Francisco, the other from Portland and their mother as well. All of the money, and they are already raising a lot, will go to the James Kim Memorial Fund.

Bay Area artist Sara Paloma and her husband Tom were touched by the story of James and Kati Kim.

Sara Paloma, Emeryville Artist: "The wife and two little girls that don't have a dad and that's really tragic."

Paloma wanted to help, she discovered an online art auction that would raise money for Kati and her two daughters who were stranded for days in the Klamath Mountains. Paloma's work is now one of dozens of items to be auctioned on eBay.

Diana Fayt is another contributing artist. Others around the world have stepped up adding valuable pieces to the collection.

Diana Fayt, Artist: "We can't replace the loss. We could donate everything and it would never replace what they have lost, but we can support, stand behind -- let the family know that we are there."

Kati Kim has long been a supporter of these local artists -- selling their works at her two San Francisco stores. Word quickly spread about her loss. The artists' blogs have been instrumental in connecting this community.

Stephanie Scarpulla, Owner, "Bluebird": "Another designer posted something that I read and I immediately contacted Lisa Congdon who is running it, and asked to be involved, and was honored to be chosen."

Scarpulla's designs are also being auctioned.

Stephanie Scarpulla, Owner, "Bluebird": "It can happen to anyone and I was saddened by their loss and I would give anything back to a beautiful couple who did so much for the arts and crafts community of the Bay Area."

One of the people I interviewed today said while the Bay Area arts and crafts community is large, everyone seems to know each other and they come together in times of need.

Click here for a list of items on the Kim family auction: www.kimfamilyauction.com

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•