by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres were served, but the main dish was 12 eligible bachelors and their date packages for the inaugural bachelor auction to benefit daniel Memorial, the oldest non-profit children’s organization in the state,
More than 150 women and couples ascended to the University Club Friday — with many arriving to the Southbank by limo — to take part in the fundraising event. All proceeds went to Womenade, a group of more than 40 professional women that holds events to benefit the daniel house for children. Their goal was $20,000 and Womenade treasurer Franchesca Tarlton believes it was met.
Bachelor Scott Amos brought in $2,500. His date package included a 7-day cruise. There was also a silent auction and the 13th date package sold for $3,700 — it was a trip to Atlantic City.
“It’s phenomenal to have this kind of money,” said Judy Hicks, founder of Womenade and an agent with ReMax Coastal Realty. “This will really help us with the kids. It will help in funding their future.”
The $20,000 goes a long way towards Womenade’s mission to mentor the children at daniel through career development, fun and community service. In the last four years, the group raised $40,000. Funds go to Womenade’s “Finding Your Future” program created to mentor young adults at Independent Village and daniel’s A’s, an incentive program for those students at daniel who make the A-B honor roll in school, as well as those who have passed all courses and received at least one A.
photos by Miranda G. McLeod