Long Marine Lab's Whale of an Auction goes online

The Friends of Long Marine Lab will try a new approach for its annual "Whale of an Auction" fundraiser this year, offering online bidding for 26 spectacular auction packages.

Each year, the Whale of an Auction provides crucial operating support for the Seymour Center. This year, however, the popular event was affected by local wildfires. The fundraiser was scheduled for Friday, June 20, but many supporters were unable to attend due to the fires and road closures in the South County area. While the silent auction items were sold during the evening's activities, live auction items were only previewed.

The auction packages planned for the live auction portion of the evening will now be available for online bidding. The online auction begins on Sunday, June 29, and will last for two weeks. Details are available on the Seymour Center web site.

Seymour Center director Julie Barrett Heffington said the center's staff and volunteers send their heartfelt wishes for a positive and swift recovery to their neighbors and supporters who are dealing with the aftermath of major wildfires in the Santa Cruz area.