Students look for love through speed dating

They all had different reasons for attending.

Some were looking for love, others friendship and, for a few, just for someone to lend them an attentive ear.

Holt sophomore Shannon Bonney said she is looking for a caring person.

“Life has a lot of ups and downs,” Bonney said.

With smiling and flirtatious eyes, men and women talked among long-stemmed roses and tiny candies Tuesday evening in the Bovee University Center Rotunda during the “Speed Dating for a Cause.”

The event was sponsored by the Physical Therapy Student Organization to raise money for the “Hands for Health” Pro-bono clinic in the Health Professions Building.

Whitney Kalajainen, a DeWitt graduate student who moderated the event, said even though the women outnumbered the men, the girls still had fun.

“I wish it worked out a little more evenly but, hopefully, they get something out of it, even if it is just a couple hours,” Kalajainen said.

California graduate student Nick Cavallo said it was fun meeting a lot of people.

“I met a few young women that I wouldn’t mind meeting again,” Cavallo said. “I’m looking to have a good time and somebody to care about and spend time with.”

Kalajainen said the total amount raised was about $200.

“We’d love to raise more money, but any money is good for the program,” she said.

The cost was $10 for six-minute dates with different students.

There were 21 participants, including seven men and 14 women.

“Even if you’re not looking for a relationship, it’s fun to date,” said Lauren Patterson, a Byron Center sophomore.