University athletes like senior basketball guard Todd Billet, swimmer Ed Moses and quarterback Matt Schaub, whose achievements and reputations make them a hot commodity on the dating market, may seem out of reach for most University students.
With Kappa Delta Sorority's Athlete Date Auction, however, these three and many other athletes will be up for bid tonight at O'Neil's from 8 to 10 p.m.
Not only will money buy bidders a date with select athletes, it also will benefit Prevent Child Abuse America, a charity dedicated to eliminating child abuse in American households.
"Preventing child abuse is really important to me, and the more we help prevent the problem now, the less likely children will grow up to be abusive as adults," said first-year College student Kristen Coffield, a member of Kappa Delta.
"It's most important that we raise money for such a great cause, but it should be really fun too," she said.
Of the money raised, 80 percent will benefit child abuse prevention centers in Charlottesville, while the rest of the money will be given to the national charity, said third-year College student Mary Hamner, one of the sorority's program organizers.
"It started off as a small event a few years ago, but it has really picked up steam," Hamner said. "Last year it was a packed house, with the lines going out of the door. The fire marshal even showed up because it was too crowded."
All participants on the auction block are male and include both club and varsity athletes. After being selected, the athlete and his bidder exchange information and set up a time for their date. Although Kappa Delta cannot ensure that the athletes will be able to follow up on their date, Hamner said all participating athletes show a strong commitment to the philanthropy and fulfilling their obligation should not be a problem.
With the many athletes that have volunteered their time for this event, Hamner has high hopes for the fundraiser this year.
"We raised about $2,000 last year, and we haven't set any official goals, but we plan to surpass that number this year," Hamner said.
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