An auction raised almost £9,000 for those whose lives and homes have been devastated by floods.
The sale at the Lewes Auction Rooms in Garden Street last night attracted 300 people to bid for china, collectables, pictures and antiques.
The top-priced item was a bust sculpted by Quentin Bell, a member of the Bloomsbury Set, which raised £680. A set of figures of the pop band S-Club-7 made £200.
John Henty, who arranged the evening in collaboration with antiques dealer Julian Dawson, said the evening had gone "brilliantly". He said: "When you get the response we had, it shows what a great place Sussex is.
"The massively successful turnout and great atmosphere shows that a serious situation brings out the best in people, particularly Sussex people."
The auction raised £8,836, but it is hoped the money raised from Rotary collecting tins on the night will bring the total close to £10,000, all for the Lewes Flood Appeal.
Celebrities from Sussex and beyond backed the auction.
TV presenter Des Lynam gave a signed CD of his poetry readings and explorer Ranulph Fiennes and athletes Roger Black and Kriss Akabusi all gave signed copies of their books.
Brighton and Hove Albion donated a football.
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