NEW YORK A Connecticut cartoon event last night raised at least $3,000 for "Operation First Response," which helps families of soldiers wounded in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

The fundraiser -- held at Guy Gilchrist's Cartoonist's Academy in Simsbury, Conn. -- included an art auction, "chalk talks," a reception, and more.

Among the art auctioned were works by Lynn Johnston ("For Better or For Worse"/Universal Press Syndicate), Mort Walker ("Beetle Bailey"/King Features Syndicate), Chris Browne ("Hagar the Horrible"/King), and Chance Browne ("Hi and Lois"/King).

Appearing at the event were cartoonists Guy Gilchrist, Frank McLaughlin, and Mike Lynch.

Gilchrist's credits include founding the aforementioned cartoon academy last year, co-creating the "Nancy" comic for United Media, doing "Your Angels Speak" and "The Poetry Guy" for DBR Media, self-syndicating "Night Lights & Pillow Fights," and writing and illustrating children's books.

McLaughlin is a 40-year veteran of the comic book industry, and Lynch has done cartoons for The Wall Street Journal and various magazines.

Gilchrist told E&P today that he hopes to hold similar events at the academy on a regular basis.