SOUTH POINT - There was quite a large crowd in the Blue Room of the Early Childhood Development Center in South Point Tuesday night - and the guests were picking up some priceless works of art.

The Early Childhood Development Center had its first art auction on Tuesday evening as a part of the Week of the Young Child. The students at the center completed various works of art, and their creations were auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Cathy Fugett came in search of her 4-year-old daughter Emily's painting.

"It was fun, a good way to raise money," she said.

Proceeds from the auction will go towards the purchase of adaptive play equipment for both the Blue Room, which is a large indoor play area, and for the outdoor play area. Although the equipment can be used by all the students, it will also accommodate children with special needs.

In addition to the individual artworks, classroom projects were done and put up for bid. These included planters, a quilt and a picnic basket.

Auctioneer Allen Haley of Gallipolis auctioned off the paintings, while Gina Runyon, a preschool instructor with the MRDD board displayed the artwork to the bidders.

Christie Lester of Chesapeake came to the auction with her family.

Her son Dalton, 5, attends the center.

"My son did a painting and we bought it," Lester said.

No matter what the individual reason for attending, everyone seemed to be having a great time.

Sarah Diamond Burroway who coordinates grants and special projects for the MRDD was excited about the show of support from the community.

"We're extremely pleased that the community came to support it, even though it's a bad rainy night, we are pleased with the turnout and their generosity," Burroway said "it goes to a good cause, to help the children."