Service fraternity hosts ASUA bachelor auction
Student leaders are selling themselves for money.
Alpha Phi Omega, a coed service fraternity, is auctioning off dates with campus bachelors to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Southern Arizona.
Fifteen UA men who represent organizations across campus will be featured at the APO Bachelor Auction, held tonight at 7 in Social Sciences 100.
A profile on each bachelor will be read as he walks, skips or dances across stage, and he will wear a tuxedo. Any audience member is welcome to make a bid, and bids will open at $5.
Garrett Bennett, service vice president of APO and a retailing and consumer sciences junior, said organizers hope to raise $1,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which focuses on patient care, research and awareness of the disease.
"More children and young adults have this life-threatening disease than any other disease in our nation today," said Betty Kalil Knott, director of development for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Southern Arizona.
A minimum of 90 cents of every dollar the foundation receives goes directly toward patient care and research, Knott said. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was rated the No. 1 non-profit health agency in the United States by Smart Money Magazine last year.
Bennett said during the auction, bachelors will model, along with lip-synching and performing a choreographed dance to an N'Sync song.
"This night will be a fun and unique experience that will not soon be forgotten," said Ryan Jennings, president of Eller College Student Council and ASUA treasurer, who also gives good massages.
Jennings, like most of the other bachelors, said he joined the auction because it is for a good cause.
Students looking for a date with cooking skills have the opportunity to bid on ASUA Sen. Nathan Bell, a pre-computer science junior and self-proclaimed amazing chef, who said his specialties include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pasta, and Kraft Easy Mac.
"I don't own a car, so hopefully my date doesn't mind a night on the city bus," Bell said. "Shout out to all the ladies on Route 3."
The dates were donated by local companies and include activities such as dinner for two, a night at the movies, or day of miniature golfing.
Ted Theodorou, president of the Residence Hall Association and a political science junior, said he would make a good date because he enjoys meaningful conversations and dancing at any given moment.
"If they are looking for a fun-loving Greek guy, they should bid on me," Theodorou said. "Not 'greek' as in 'fraternity greek,' but 'greek' as in really Greek."
For students in search of a shopping partner, Anthony Mancuso, secretary of Chi-Phi Fraternity who exhibits his vocal talents in the shower and car, describes himself as an optimistic person who can outlast any girl at shopping.
For those hoping for an athletic date, Forrest Melton, a member of APO and pre-physiological sciences senior, said he plays everything from soccer to Ultimate Frisbee.
"I'm so Woody on 'Toy Story' - I'm totally him," said Melton, an avid Disney movie fan. "I'm just looking for my (Little) Bo-Peep."
Bidding will be open to both genders, a factor that has left most bachelors undaunted.
Conrad Hutcheson, a member of Chimes Junior Honorary, said he would not care if he was won by a male because, either way, the money is for a good cause.
"I'm straight so they are not going to get to first base with me or anything," Hutchenson said.
ASUA President Alistair Chapman was also scheduled for the auction, but will be unable to attend due to a meeting.
The APO Bachelor Auction begins at 7 p.m. in Social Sciences 100. Admission is $2.