Hunks and hotties auctioned off for good cause

By Jeanne Willard

Staff writer

VOLUSIA COUNTY - Can puppy love lead to the real deal between pet owners?

Possibly, say 20 local hunks and hotties who agreed to be auctioned off to support animal welfare, but local puppies are the ones feeling the love of the $4,500 raised for Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare of Volusia County.

Twenty local bachelors and bachelorettes, including Ponce Inlet Town Manager Kassandra Blissett and South Daytona Athletic Director Norm Yelverton, put themselves on the auction block for a "date" at last week's second annual Puppy Love Party.

The CCFAW promotes low cost, accessible spaying and neutering programs in Volusia County, said Cheryl Robel, co-president.

"We have spayed and neutered 400 animals so far," she said, but the need remains great.

With music pounding, a mostly younger, hip crowd mingled and previewed potential "dates" while enjoying cocktails, appetizers, a candy buffet and a chocolate fountain at the Daytona Beach Shores Resort & Spa last week.

Activities planned by the bachelors and bachelorettes were as unique as the individuals.

Port Orange resident Andie Tierney, 38, who works at the Daytona International Speedway, tempted racing lovers with a promise of a private tour of the speedway and an escorted "hot lap" around the track in an Indy stock car, followed by dinner at Ronin Sushi Bar and Restaurant.

Ms. Tierney, who has two cats of her own, is passionate about animal welfare. She encourages people to select their pets at the humane society to save an animal's life.

"There are so many," she said. "You just get heartbroken. "

Colin Baker, owner of All about You, a home renovation company, offered dinner then a trip to Orlando to enjoy the Cirque De Soleil show.

"The cause is really good," the Ormond Beach resident said. "This will help out."

Perego, an Ormond Beach artist who goes by one name, embraced the spirit of the evening by wearing a spiked dog collar and leash.

He promised a free-spirited creative date "like no other."

"It depends on who it is," Perego said. "It depends on how creative they are."

Ironically he's allergic to animals, but still believes the cause is worthy.

"I'm down with people trying to help," he said. "Altruism is where it's at."

Hosting the auction produced by Buy Me Love Benefits, WKMG reporter Tarik Minor started the bids at $50.

Winning bids ranged from $100 up to $1,100.

Matt Seltzer, a student and personal trainer, will take his date on a boat cruise to Down the Hatch Restaurant for dinner and the lucky bidder will also receive a manicure, couples massage and an hour personal training session.

Bidding for the fit 23-year-old started slowly, but accelerated appreciably after he ditched his shirt and strutted down the runway to the hoots and hollers of some female bidders.

While most participants said the "dates" are not really designed to meet a soul mate, not everyone ruled the possibility out.

"I leave the slate open," Mr. Baker said. "You never know."