A large crowd packed The Hourglass Thursday night to enjoy and bid on more than 200 pieces of art — and to help raise money to aid the gulf coast.

The Funds for Fishes auction, the brainchild of 9-year-old Lyon Jernigan, raised money for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation.

“We’re all so thankful for Lyon’s vision,” said his mother, Emmie Jernigan, who organized the event. “We’re so thankful for each of you. Many of you traveled a long way to be here.”

The art traveled from near and far as well. In addition to many donations from local artists, the auction attracted attention and artwork from across the country.

Foundation director Helene Hassell said she knew the event would be successful because of the Jernigan family’s commitment to the project.

“Emmie and Lyon’s energy — they were so enthusiastic,” she said.

The foundation supports the work of the sea lab, which is heavily involved right now in the gulf coast’s recovery from the oil spill.

“The research they are doing is really going to lead the way in the recovery,” Hassell said.