Sorority auctions students to raise money for shelter

Jessica Parmelee

Going once, going twice, sold for $10.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. sponsored its 2nd Annual Bachelor/Bachelorette Showcase last night in the Kiva.

“This is a fundraiser and a fun event for people to attend,” said Michelle McCall, president of Zeta Phi Beta.

The charge was $5 at the door and $4 with a canned good. The profits will go to Safer Futures, a battered women’s shelter and to upcoming Zeta Phi Beta programs.”Hopefully everyone will be auctioned off,” McCall said. “The audience is the judge.”

The participants signed a contract, said Florence Adegboye, Zeta Phi Beta member. The contract stated that nothing will happen between the contestant and the highest bidder. The contestant doesn’t owe the bidder anything, she said.

The contract also stipulated that no one take their clothes off, but some male participants did remove their shirts during the auction.

Not all contestants were from Kent State. Some students came from the University of Akron and Cleveland State University.

A group of five girls who called themselves the “Ghetto Girls” walked down the aisles and the betting began.

“Can we get $7? Can I get $9 holla? They can do your hair, sold for $9,” the Zeta Phi Beta emcees said.The audience gave the next man a standing ovation. “Pick me because I’m a prince,” sophomore pre-pharmacy major Uche Adigwe said. He was auctioned off for $15.Kendrick Watson came on stage wearing sunglasses as the audience yelled his name.

“Do I hear $5?” the emcees asked.

“Do you take FlashCash or a posted check?” an audience member shouted out. The fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, danced onto the stage. The fraternity raised $46.Silver, gold, platinum and pearl status was given to the contestants who earned the most money. The highest bidder received a large gift from Zeta Phi Beta.

Contact Greek life reporter Jessica Parmelee at [email protected].