Bright red spray paint across the rock on Farm Lane on Wednesday delivered two important words to MSU students - date auction.
“It’s for charity. Plus it’s a great way to meet people,” interdisciplinary studies in humanities senior Jeffery Malott said. “I think of it as self-marketing, which is a good thing and a better word than prostitution.”
Students were sold to the highest bidder at a date auction fund-raiser put on by the Chuckling tSuNaMiS. The group is committed to raising money for worthy causes and organizing community functions.
Participants had to sign up before Wednesday in order to display their auction numbers for the public to see. Students ran in front of cars and cornered passing pedestrians to solicit their goods.
“I feel kind of weird, but at the same time I feel almost like I am in a beauty contest,” oceanography freshman Breanne Haynes said.
“Hey baby, I’m yours for $22 ,” auctionees yelled from the street.
Some people stopped to check out the event and some smiled and kept walking.
The silent auction was anything but quiet because of the lack of buyers.
With songs such as “Chick Magnet,” by MxPx and “Shake Your Booty,” by K.C. and The Sunshine Band serving as catwalk music, auctionees walked down the grassy knoll toward the audience. They were sold at blankets laid out for visitors in front of the rock.
Crop and soil science senior Kameron Southworth was among the anxious members of the crowd waiting to claim his prize.
“No. 82 and I will do whatever she wants, I’ve had a crush on her for a while,” he said.
Group members were glad the event was successful.
“Watching folks get together is the most exciting part of this thing for me,” said elementary education junior Michael Mallon, a group member.
Proceeds from the event will go to the funding of future events, such as the cookout that the group is organizing for the homeless.
“We will be buying sleeping bags, food and clothing for those people who live in the streets,” Mallon said.
He and the other Chuckling tSuNaMis say they are passionate not only about this large event, but also about other upcoming festivities designed to unite the community of East Lansing.
“People should take part in these activities because hope floats, and with the energy individuals generate that hope won’t drown,” he said.
For more information about the Chuckling tSuNaMiS, call Michael Mallon at (517)337-2460.
