On Centre: Centre Region

Make a date for a good cause

Stephanie Koons

Since the State College Young Professionals formed last summer, it has attracted 563 people on Facebook and has given young people an opportunity to meet each other and give back to the community.

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The group is now planning its largest event yet to benefit needy youth in Pennsylvania.

“Fall Collection: A Date Auction,” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at The Cell Block. All proceeds, plus half of The Cell Block’s $7 cover charge, will benefit The Second Mile, a statewide nonprofit organization formed in 1977 in State College. The organization is committed to helping young people achieve their potential and providing education and support for their parents and youth service professionals.

The Date Auction will feature 20 eligible singles who will be auctioned off for a single date. The lineup includes entrepreneurs, mortgage consultants and bartenders, all ranging in age from 22 to 44. Bidding starts at $20.

Local businesses and organizations such as Zola’s, Rotelli’s, Dantes Inc., Tussey Mountain, Center for the Performing Arts and Seven Mountains Winery have donated gift certificates and tickets that will be drawn by winning bidders.

The State College Young Professionals, according to its Web site, is “a group of active, civic-minded professionals who have a clear vision of State College’s future as a great place to live, work, play and shop.” SCYP hosts a monthly “Sips” happy hour on the first Wednesday of each month at a bar/restaurant, at which a representative from a local charity presents information about his or her organization.

SCYP President Kate Clarke said that the group is looking to do fundraisers that are more engaging and fun than the typical silent and live auctions.

SCYP’s goal is to raise $4,000 through the Date Auction, Clarke said. She hopes the event will encourage younger people in the community to get involved with The Second Mile, she added.

“To help a kid in need, to be there, to mentor them, it’s such a rewarding experience,” SCYP Social Committee Chairwoman Marina Shvenke said.

Outreach Committee Chair Yana Boyd said SCYP members convinced people at The Second Mile that the Date Auction would be a tasteful event and that rules would be set in place that would protect the safety of the participants.

“They were a little hesitant at first, but they could not be more supportive” now, she said.

Appetizers will be served for the first hour of the event, and VIP tables will be available on a firstcome/ first-served basis for $20 each. A VIP table will feature small appetizer platters, cocktail service and upclose seating. Cash or check will be accepted as payment. DJ Ikon and DJ Skooter will provide entertainment.

For more information about State College Young Professionals and the Date Auction, visit www.scyoungpros.com. To learn more about The Second Mile, visit www.thesecondmile.org.

Stephanie Koons writes a weekly column featuring news and happenings in the Centre Region.