Bid on dates at the BSA Date-A-Palooza fundraiser this Saturday

Illustration by: Rebecca Kottke

The Black Student Association will be hosting their annual Date-A-Palooza fundraiser this Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Rafters.

Student volunteers will walk across a stage to the song of their choice, and audience members will bid money to take them out on a date. The students are under no obligation to actually go on the dates, and the presidents of BSA emphasized that the event is all in good fun, with the main goal to fundraise for the organization.

“It’s all for fun and you’re not obligated to go on dates,” said Shikha Kambil, one of the co-presidents of BSA. “That’s just for entertainment.”

Neal Bhakta, freshman president of SA, will be walking to the song “Strip” by Chris Brown.

“I’m just hoping to help raise money, and I just want it to be a fun time,” he said.

Neal is hoping to raise at least $50 in bids at the date auction. He is participating in the auction to support BSA and entertain the audience. 

Also walking in the auction is upperclassman Azrin Awal, who expressed her fears of embarrassing herself in the event, but said she’ll follow through because it’s for a good cause.

“I’m hoping that I can be supportive of BSA in any way that I can, and I’m hoping that we have a great fundraiser,” she said.

Last year, BSA used the money raised at Date-A-Palooza to buy gifts for children during Kwanzaa.

Najma Mohamed, a junior, is walking to the song “Easy” by Jeje. She will be partner walking with Iman Gelet, also a junior.

“I’m just doing it to help with the cause, and I hope everyone has a great time,” Najma said.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and make sure to bring cash for the fundraiser. All students are welcome to come and bid on dates at the auction.