Students bid on dates for Valentine's Day

Ball State University students bid on their last chances for a Valentine at the Zeta Phi Beta sorority date auction.

Markita Cunningham, mistress of ceremonies, said the average bids were about $10 to $20.

About 70 people showed up to the third-annual date auction, more than twice last year's turnout, she said.

Cunningham drove the bidding prices up by emphasizing to participants that the proceeds would be donated to the March of Dimes charity.

The sorority has worked with the charity, which provides prenatal and maternal care to women, since 1972, she said.

Sophomore telecommunications and public relations major Vanesa Penaloza said she bought her friend Delorean Barksdale for $20.

"He's definitely worth the money," she said.

At last year's auction, Penaloza paid $112 for a date with another student, she said.

"I always show up to support the March of Dimes," she said. "It's really important to me."

Cunningham said the majority of students who were auctioned off are members of fraternities, sororities and Black Student Association.

Students could also bid on friends, and no one was forced to go on a date with their bidder, she said.

"They don't have to do anything," she said, "but if they want to, that's great. It's for a great cause."

Zeta Phi Beta sorority auction raises money for March of Dimes