There was a wall of wine, a stay at the Minneapolis Hilton and various pieces of art.

But the most original item on the auction block at St. Olaf College's Black and Gold Winter Gala this year had to be the blackboard.

It was a film prop, left from when the Coen brothers came to campus in 2008 to film key scenes of their Oscar contender "A Serious Man."

Framed by the college's carpentry shop in black walnut, a chunk of that chalkboard went for $2,600.

In total, the Saturday event raised more than $109,000, meeting its goal. The biggest ticket item? A trip for two to Norway, arts events included, nabbed $7,100.

JENNA ROSS