March 13, 1996 Contact: Robert Irion (408) 459-2495; irion@ua.ucsc.edu

THAR SHE BLOWS--IT'S THE ANNUAL "WHALE OF AN AUCTION" TO BENEFIT PUBLIC EDUCATION AT LONG MARINE LAB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA CRUZ, CA--Whales abound in Santa Cruz. There are migrating gray whales, the Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra, and the most fun-filled whale of all: "A Whale of an Auction," the largest annual fund-raising event for public education programs at Long Marine Laboratory.

This year's soiree, the eleventh annual auction, begins at 6 p.m. Friday, March 29, in the Porter College Dining Hall at UC Santa Cruz. About 400 people usually attend the auction, which raises tens of thousands of dollars for the lab's efforts to inform schoolchildren and the general public about our unique place on the central coast.

The evening will include an hors-d'oeuvres buffet from Michael's Catering, champagne and caviar from the docents and Friends of Long Marine Lab, and both silent and live auctions. The Redwood String Quartet will provide live music.

Items up for bid will include a beach clambake for twenty at the Crow's Nest; golf for four at the Olympic Club in San Francisco; a behind-the-scenes tour at Monterey Bay Aquarium's new wing; a time-share in Acapulco; retreats in Big Sur; a one-week stay at the San Juan Islands in Washington; a private Monterey Bay charter aboard the Chardonnay; a private flight at Altamont Pass to view golden eagles; tickets to sporting events; meals at fine restaurants; pottery and other artworks; and jewelry, wines, and scores of other gifts. Bob Slawinski of the Slawinski Auction Company will oversee the festivities.

Proceeds help thousands of schoolchildren and visitors to Long Marine Lab learn about the Monterey Bay marine environment and marine research at UCSC through the "Window to Discovery" and other programs. The Friends of Long Marine Lab, sponsor of the auction, also is raising funds for a new Visitor Education Center at the lab.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. For reservations, call Long Marine Lab at 459-2883.

Donations to the auction or to the lab's education programs are welcome. For more information, call Lisa M. Rose at 459-3694.

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