The Laguna College of Art & Design netted $105,000 at the annual Collector's Choice fundraiser, held Saturday at the campus on Laguna Canyon Road.
A crowd of about 400 college supporters attended the event, which included an art raffle, silent and live auctions of works donated by professional artists, and an al fresco dinner. Students at the college directly benefit from the funds raised at Collector's Choice, which provides financial assistance via scholarships, and pays to upgrade the campus facilities where they strive to fulfill their dreams of a career in the arts.
"We could not be more grateful to the artists and others who by donating to Collector's Choice help make it possible for the next generations of artists and designers to study here," college President Dennis Power said.
Tom Swimm has been among the donors to the fundraiser for so long he doesn't remember when he started.
"It's got to be more than 10 years, more than 15," Swimm said.