Dessert was being served at the fourth annual Art for Autism gala on April 7 when a wind gust swept through the rented tent, blowing dust and pollen everywhere, said Wendy Kreuter, director of advancement and finance at the Faison School for Autism.

As a result, Mark Motley led the 350 guests from the tent into the conservatory, where he finished the auction, though with no microphone. Kreuter said the school's proceeds from the gala, sponsored by Markel Corp. and SunTrust, will likely exceed $275,000.

[Deborah Mihaloff Kirshner]'s husband, Alan, chairman of Faison School and Markel Corp., was host for the benefit for the school. It was presented by Markel and SunTrust.