The inaugural Antiques Art Artifacts Auction was such as success that it will become an annual event, says Mark Gretch, executive director of the Scotland County Literacy Council.

"I was pleasantly surprised," Gretch said. "The community really, generously supported our fundraiser, and we are going to be doing it again next year as a result."

"For the first time doing it, it turned out exceptional," Gretch said. "We had a nice array of auctioned items and deserts. We got a lot of feedback and people were all very satisfied with the event."

Gretch said the event brought in $2,400 for the Literacy Council, something he hopes to grow.

"I think we would like to do a little bit more outreach," Gretch said. "There is an arts community in Southern Pines. I think I might go over there and do a little publicity. We probably need to connect with the hospital a bit more, and Scotia VIllage and Campbell Soup."

"We'd like to get attendance up, but it's a building process," Gretch said. "With the state of the economy, and even more so in Scotland County, we can't complain. The community came out to support us."

Gretch said most of the revenue will go straight to the council's coffers as most items were donated. Only the paper plates, plastic ware and banners were purchased by the council with everything else, from deserts and wine to art and antiques being donated.

The highlight of the evening was a bidding was between Fran McDuffie and Kyle Bethel over "Cranes in a Water Lily Pond," a painting by Daniel Nie, that went for $215, the director said. The price was originally estimated at $100.

"There some back-and-forth," Gretch said. "There was a little bit of excitement."

The Scotland County Literacy Council, located at 213 McLaurin Avenue, is a nonprofit organization that offers an adult basic education program.