Collector’s Choice raises more than $170,000

The 24th annual Collector’s Choice event raised more than $170,000 for Laguna College of Art & Design’s student programs and scholarships.

The June 8 event at the main campus included a matching challenge from David and Suanne Chonette and led to a record of nearly $45,000 being raised during the Fund a Student segment of the live auction, according to a news release.

More than 420 people attended the event, staged by Emmy-nominated set and production designer and LCAD trustee Nelson Coates. The program included a live auction, silent auction and a raffle, along with a speech by LCAD alumnus Daniel Wong and fine wines and dinners by Laurent Brazier.

Internationally and locally renowned artists contributed 142 pieces valued at about $200,000, according to the release. Richard MacDonald’s sculpture “Blind Faith” brought in the top bid, $6,000, during the live auction.

“I not only love what they teach at LCAD but also how they teach it,” MacDonald said in the release. “I’m happy to know that ‘Blind Faith’ was such a well-received item and that it helped raise needed funds.”

—Alicia Lopez

Twitter: @ALopezCityEd