Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: News

Media Credit: David R Williams Waterford freshman Amy Abel stands atop a stage at Wayside Central waiting for bidders at the Big Brothers Big Sisters date auction on Monday night. [Click to enlarge]

Melissa Fortuna was not eager to jump onto a Wayside Central stage to be auctioned off for charity.

But, even with her hesitation, the Shelby Township sophomore stepped up to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters at a date auction Monday night.

"My friends kind of got me to do this, but I'm glad that we are able to help out a good cause," she said.

More than $500 was raised for CMU's chapter of BBSB. Members of Beta Theta Pi, a fraternity which helped organize the fundraiser, and members of the Delta Zeta sorority were among those auctioned off for funds.

"This money will be beneficial to the development of the unprivileged and the development of youth in the Mount Pleasant area," said Josh Lady, a Traverse City graduate assistant.

This is the first date auction that BBBS has organized in the past two years. About 50 people were in attendance to bid on friends and, for some, complete strangers.

Grand Rapids sophomore Adam Kimo, a member of Beta Theta Pi, said the fraternity was glad it had the ability to help.

"We have to hold a certain amount of events for our fraternity," Kimo said. "It is for a good cause and we liked the idea."

BBSB will use the money raised in three local schools, and for individual mentors who deal with the kids on a more one-on-one basis.

Port Huron senior Jeff Naz raised $20 when he was auctioned off on stage.

"I wouldn't say that we have a set goal for this," Naz said. "What matters is that any profit made goes for a great cause."

Money also was raised through ticket sales and a 50/50 raffle drawing that took place after the auction finished.



news@cm-life.com

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