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March 17, 1997

Call me Ishmael--Long Marine Lab's "Whale of an Auction" is approaching fast

By Theobolt Leung

Whether you've set sail in search of the Great White Whale or just an evening of fun, make sure to plot a course to "A Whale of an Auction," the largest annual fund-raising event for public education programs at UCSC's Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory.

This year's soiree, the twelfth annual auction, begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, in the Porter College Dining Hall. 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, live music, and silent and live auctions.

Items up for bid will include trips to Hawaii and Mexico; fly fishing on private streams in Colorado; a behind-the-scenes tour of Monterey Bay Aquarium; sailing on private yachts on Monterey Bay and San Francisco Bay; a birthday party for children at Long Marine Lab; a private flight at Altamont Pass to view golden eagles; researcher-guided scuba-diving trips in Monterey Bay; stays at local bed and breakfasts; catered meals; tickets to sporting events; pottery and other artworks; and jewelry, wines, and scores of other gifts. Bob Slawinski of the Slawinski Auction Company will conduct 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, is also raising funds for a new Marine Discovery Center at the lab.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. For reservations, call Long Marine Lab at (408) 459-2883.

Donations to the auction or to the lab's education programs are welcome. For more information, call Sonia Deetz at (408) 459-5828.


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