Dec. 8 auction to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

The 1946 movie "It's a Wonderful Life," which starred Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey – a kind-hearted man who wanted to give back to his community – has become a Christmas classic. It is also the inspiration for an upcoming estate auction that will be held in Bristol, Conn., on Dec. 8.

There will be an accompanying online auction held at iCollector.com, where interested parties can place their bids on a wide assortment of goods that conjure up memories of simpler times and harken back to the era of Mr. Bailey and his quixotic effort to save his hometown of Bedford Falls.

Helping sick children
One of the most meaningful ways that Tim Chapulis and his mother, Helen, have turned this annual auction into a celebration of giving is by donating some of the proceeds to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Since the passing of Tim's father, Peter, in 2005, these auctions, which are held in his honor, have managed to raise nearly $60,000 to help the hospital in its efforts to cure and alleviate many childhood diseases.

Furniture auction
For anyone who is a fan of the movie, or who simply appreciates antique and collectible furniture, the It's a Wonderful Life Holiday Estate Auction will provide dozens of opportunities to bring home fine pieces of craftwork from the 19th and 20th centuries.

A pillar and splat-shelf clock made by the early 19th century mast Silas Hoadley (lot #11) is one notable example. And a magnificent Victorian-style burl cylinder roll-top secretary desk made of walnut (lot #116) is another item that collectors of woodworking will be keen to see.

Antique carpets will also be well represented, with a room-size oriental with an intricate blue and red design (lot #39) and a 76-inch long Borkara rug (lot #66) on display.

Collectibles auction
Beyond the startling array of furniture, clocks and rugs, there will be hundreds of other lots that will appeal to all manner of collectors and appreciators. More than 100 world coins will be on the block, along with various pieces of art, jewelry and glassware.

Among the items that will be auctioned off to directly benefit St. Jude's are more than 50 collectible dolls, along with a selection of memorabilia from musical luminaries Sid Bernstein and Les Paul.

For those who can't make it to Bristol to participate in this special auction, iCollector.com is the only way to gain access to this magnificent inventory that also provides an opportunity to contribute to important humanitarian work.