Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 13, 1992 TAG: 9202130105
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
BACHELORS PUT EGOS ON LINE FOR BENEFIT AUCTION
Ask them if they feel like pieces of meat and most of the men putting themselves up for the "Bid for Bachelors" auction say, "Nah, it's for charity."Yeah, sure. Be honest.
"OK, maybe a little bit!" admitted Mark Todd, a Pulaski County doctor coming back for his second auction. "I have a little bit of ham in me anyway, so it isn't too bad."
It has nothing to do with those wallet-packing single women, right?
"Hey, I'm a wanted, desirable man and I'm broke," joked Christiansburg Town Planner Rudy Rash, who also will be on the block Saturday.
No matter, because the money raised from the sale of these date packages will benefit the American Cancer Society.
This is the Radford/Montgomery County chapter's 5th annual "Bid for Bachelors," to be held at the Blacksburg Holiday Inn. The event starts with a social hour with free hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the bidding.
It's a good cause and a good time. And the women are in control.
They can choose from 17 eligible men who have planned dates ranging from Appalachian Trail hikes to sporting events and candlelight dinners.
Chow down at La Maison, Chateau Morrisette, the Farmhouse or the Shogun. Or how 'bout brunch at Mountain Lake? It's all on him.
There's a limousine ride that will whisk the winning bidder and bachelor Gerald Duncan, general manager of the Holiday Ford-Mazda dealership in Blacksburg, to a Virginia Tech basketball game, dinner at a resort, then dancing and drinks at the nightspot of your choice.
Attend a romantic theater production or buy a day of beauty at Images by B. Don't feel pressured - this is your time and you're putting out the bucks.
Whatever you spend is a tax write-off. And if he doesn't hold up his end of the deal, he's got to pay you back. How can you lose?
Pat Frye, one of the event's coordinators, said last year's "Bid for Bachelors" raised $8,000, one of the biggest draws yet. She's optimistic and is shooting for $10,000 this year.
She said average bids in 1991 were about $325, ranging from a high of $800 to a low of $75.
(Let's hope these guys on the lower end of the bidding aren't too modest.)
There's a lot to choose from: doctor, lawyer, contractor, ranger, administrator and dentist. They're 24 to 41 years old and, naturally, have their own ideas about the kind of women they'd like to see win them.
Todd, for instance, likes a woman "who can flatfoot in blue jeans or foxtrot in a formal."
Lawyer and entertainment manager Joe Steffen, 34, digs ladies with intelligence, appreciation for the arts and an interest in fitness and sports.
But make no mistake. He won't put up with "serial killers or Republicans."
Overall, the guys seem to enjoy women with a good sense of humor, honesty and a positive attitude.
So hide your neuroses for one night and head out for some fun. It's worth it just to watch.
You must be 21 years old to participate and drivers will be available to help with transportation following the event.
Advance discount tickets are available for $7 from the bachelors and at the Holiday Inn. Tickets purchased at the door are $10.
For more information, call Pat Frye or Karen Cecil, event coordinators, at 731-1047.