Each year Brickworld attendees rally together to participate in what has become an exciting and unforgettable event—The Esther Walner Memorial Charity Fundraiser. The auction features unique items donated by individuals, groups and companies to help raise money for charity. 100% of proceeds benefit several deserving charitable organizations, including Creations for Charity, Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago, and Make a Wish–Illinois.
We are very grateful to the attendees for raising over $300,000 since Brickworld began, including $35,000 in 2024.
I Want to Donate
Giving back to the community is essential for the growth and enjoyment of the hobby, which is why donating to and attending the charity auction can be a refreshing way to interact with fellow enthusiasts. Donations can be almost anything related to The Brick and may include vintage or rare sets, memorabilia, promotional items, custom minifigs, MOCs, and accessories. Donations can be mailed ahead of time or brought to the event and delivered to the registration desk by Thursday at 6 PM. Please fill out information about your item(s) online on the Brickworld Forms page, accessible through the registration portal. You must have your registration confirmation number to access your registration information.
I Want to Bid
Information regarding the live and silent auctions will be located in the Brickworld program, and the Brickworld app when the show opens. Check the Brickworld website for updates in the weeks leading up to the show.
Esther Walner was the original Brickworld New Attendee Coordinator. Sadly, Esther passed away in 2009 after only a short time with us at Brickworld. Esther was never able to attend the charity auction on Saturday night due to religious commitments. So, she always looked at what was available ahead of time and enlisted the help of proxy bidders to try and win something. In 2008, she enlisted the help of two different people to bid for the same item (just in case one of them forgot). But, she failed to notify the proxy bidders of her plan. The two bidders ended up running the price of the item up (a lot of pink brick – Esther’s favorite color) before they realized they were both bidding for Esther. It was this memory that drove us to name the auction in her honor. It seems fitting to name the auction for Esther, as it is all about giving back to children and the LEGO fan community. Please join us in remembering Esther at the auction this year.