A few weeks ago, SE Live ran a story about a silent auction and extravaganza to raise money for seniors in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Southeast Missouri State University. After the story ran, a funny thing happened.

The story told about an event to raise money for a Senior Showcase in New York City, where Southeast students would perform for theater industry professionals. It serves as their collective audition.

John Buckner had donated some art to the auction and hung it in Eustis Studios for people to bid on all month. The art was to be transferred downtown later for the Extravaganza and final bids.

The day after the story ran, local artists started bringing their art to Buckner for the auction. Artists like Lou Varro, Jim Parker and Annie Schuchart all sent pieces to help raise money. The spontaneous show of support was a welcomed surprise.

The donations flowed in, and Buckner now has 29 pieces displayed for the auction. The impromptu submission period has ended, but the bidding continues through the month. The gallery will open from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday for an art preview and cocktail reception, complete with performers from the upcoming university production of "The Pajama Game."

The auction includes more than art, too. Restaurants and businesses around town have donated gift cards and services.

The University Foundation still has tickets for the Extravaganza, which starts at 5 p.m. Jan. 28 at Celebrations and the Crowe Gallery downtown. Tickets are $50.

The pieces -- which vary in size and media -- have already garnered about $1,000 in bids. If the support on the bidding end matches that on the giving end, those seniors can take confidence and pride with them to New York City, knowing the community believes in them.