The University of West Florida's Alpha Gamma Delta sorority held their first "date" auction to raise money for their philanthropic foundation. The sorority donated all the proceeds to aid in Juvenile Diabetes research

The night was filled with high bidders, gift certificates and tickets. The sorority auctioned off items, not its members, but the bidders could ask the girls to accompany them on a date. Items auctioned included tickets to an Ice Pilots game, gift certificates, dinners and a $50 bar tab.

"It's an awesome way to get money for a good cause," said Adam Wells, freshman athletic training major and Sigma Alpha Mu pledge. "My fraternity didn't make me attend the event, but they did suggest we help the girls raise some money." Wells bid on a $40 gift certificate to La Hacienda. He and the crowd of 100 attendees helped the sorority raise over $1,500.

"It is bittersweet because it was embarrassing to walk the runway," said Kelsey Dawson, freshman forensic science major. This is Dawson's first year in the sorority. She said it felt good to help people.

Music played in the background as members of the sorority modeled on a runway to a crowd of mostly men. The hour-long event was held in the Commons auditorium at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9.

"Most of the boys that bid are friends or boyfriends of the girls," said Veronica Slover, senior management information system major.

Diabetes is the philanthropic focus of the sorority. The sorority gives annually to organizations and individuals for research, care and treatment of patients and education about the disorder.

For more information about the sorority and their charitable foundation, visit the Web site, www.uwf.edu/alphagam/philanthropy.htm

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