2008 BSLUG Holiday Bash A Wonderful Success!

It wasn’t easy to make it to the Suzman’s house last Saturday evening for the annual BSLUG holiday bash: the very steep icy street leading to Leonard Avenue was blockaded with barriers proclaiming “Street Closed.” Slowly, but surely 20 UCSC grads with their friends in tow made it to the hilltop home with a big banana slug gracing the front door. Inside the roaring fire, fragrance of hot spiced wine punch, plates of hot hors d’oeuvres, and the Suzman’s dog, Bramble, welcomed the guests. Most of us were “old-timers” – once you’ve come to one of Mary Jane and Peter Suzman’s BSLUG dinner parties, you’re likely to return! But there were also a good number of new faces who fit right in, as slugs are apt to do given such a warm, fun and interesting environment. Mary Jane and Peter had organized the 3-course dinner with perfection. The tables were set, the kitchen spotless – there was nothing for the guests to do but relax and enjoy the delicious food and great company.

Click here for fun photos of the party taken by Zoe Rath.

The Annual BSLUG Holiday Party is a fund-raiser for the Smith Society Scholarship Fund which provides UCSC mentors, scholarships, and collegiate resources to foster children, homeless and runaway youth, orphans, and wards of the court. We surpassed our fundraising goal of $1000, raising $1030 at the party! Thanks to everyone who generously made a donation. This gift will be matched by Smith Society founder and BSLUG Board Member, Bill Dickinson. If you didn’t get a chance to contribute and would like to help put us over the top, please send me your tax-deductible contribution (suggested donation: $15-25 per person). Checks made payable to: "UC Santa Cruz Foundation" and write in the memo line: Smith Society Scholarship Fund Fl011F. Mail to: Beata Panagopoulos, 28 Maple Ave., Apt. 3, Cambridge, MA 02139-1130. You will receive a receipt directly from UCSC.

The BSLUG Board (Beata, Robin, Paula, Erika, Maria, Jill, Bill, Ian, Zoe, and Carter) wish you happy holidays and hope to see you in the New Year!