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Valentine Bachelors Going Up For Bids

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By DAVE NICHOLSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

Updated: 02/04/2008 07:14 pm

PLANT CITY - This story is for all you single women staring Valentine's Day in the face without a man in your life.

Maybe you feel you can't buy a date.

Actually, you can.

The man of your dreams may be available - for a price - at the fifth annual Be My Valentine Bachelor Auction. Cast the highest bid, and he's yours - at least for one date.

The auction is at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Red Rose Inn and Suites' Red Rose Ballroom, 2011 N. Wheeler St., Plant City.

Shannon Mitchell, who is helping organize the event on behalf of the local American Business Women's Association, expects a dozen or more men will be up for bid. As of late last week, eight had been confirmed with other prospects expected.

Mitchell, marketing manager at South Florida Baptist Hospital, said she appreciates the bachelors' participation.

"It's really a tough thing to put yourself up there for auction," she said.

The evening starts with a "meet and greet," featuring the bachelors, and includes a heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet and a cash bar.

The bachelors, who will have lined up date packages, will be auctioned to the highest bidders. As of late last week, they ranged in age from 28 to 53, and their date packages ran the gamut from a night on the town to a day at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Event proceeds will benefit a college scholarship program for Young Women of Promise students from Plant City and Durant high schools and the professional development of businesswomen from the Plant City area.

Tickets, which include valet parking and the buffet, are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For advance tickets, call (813) 757-8387.

Mitchell expects 250 to 300 women to attend the auction. Sponsors include the Plant City Courier & Tribune and The Tampa Tribune.

Here's a look at some of the bachelors:

•Colin Castle, 38, works for Ikon Office Solutions as a sales representative. He lives in Largo but was born in Guam. He likes to golf, collect sports memorabilia, do home improvements and relax with friends. He has a strong desire to succeed and is extremely loyal. His ideal woman would be intelligent, have a strong sense of humor and beautiful eyes. Details of his date package will be revealed at the auction.

•John Geisler, 52, is a self-employed real estate investor. He is also a fitness instructor at the Plant City Family YMCA. He enjoys karate and meeting new people. His hobbies also include an interest in saltwater aquariums. He likes good conversation, dining out and sharing a sense of humor on a date. He's looking for a woman who is confident, spontaneous and health-conscious. His date includes a trip on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers. The trip encompasses a 3 1/2 hour train ride with a five-course dinner and two rooms booked at a nearby hotel.

•Frank Leon, 46, is in swimming pool sales and design. He hopes to share a night of dinner and dancing with his date. He's partial to fishing and painting but really loves to dance when he's out with that special someone. His favorite movie is "The Notebook," but he rocks out to Led Zeppelin in his spare time. He's looking for a woman with sincerity and a beautiful smile.

•David J. Miles, 38, is a real estate agent with Keller Williams. He's offering a night on the town with dinner, drinks, dancing and Starbucks. He will also share a day at the Florida Strawberry Festival. He enjoys golf and is a big football fan. He's looking for a smart, independent and witty woman to share his date. He describes himself as outgoing, fun and a little crazy.

•Victor Plante, 28, is a painter with Eric Mills Painting. He plans a fun-filled date at the four parks of Disney World. He lives in Lakeland and enjoys softball, golfing, working out and cooking. His favorite things to do on a date include dinner, the movies, bowling and cocktails. He's looking for a woman who has a sense of humor, is honest, outgoing and open-minded.

•Alfredo Porto, 37, is the restaurant managing partner for Carrabba's Italian Grill in Plant City. Originally from Austin, Texas, he loves the outdoors, music, coffee shops and reading the Sunday paper in bed. He likes to cook, eat, laugh and dance and looks for a woman who is intelligent, has a great attitude and a strong sense of humor. His date includes a dinner party at the winner's home with six friends. He will entertain the winner and her guests with a night of Italian cuisine along with culinary instruction and wine paired to four courses.

•Steve Sagraves, 53, is president of Fresh Fruit 2 Go. He has a penchant for two-stepping. He is a dancer of many talents so if you want an evening of sunset drinks, dinner, waltzing, two-stepping or swing dancing, this man is for you. He is originally from Miami, and he enjoys competitive dancing, golf, motorcycles and boating. He also likes to listen to Toby Keith. He's looking for a witty, sexy woman who is willing to take chances.

•Pat Simmons is a longtime Plant City resident and president of ComResInvestments, which is a real estate promotion and consulting company, according to his company Web site. His bio was not immediately available from the auction organizers.

•Chris Slawin, 40, is a supervisor with Minuteman Press in Plant City. He is a little more than 6 feet tall. He's silly, outgoing, lighthearted and a Christian. The first thing he notices about a woman is her eyes. He seeks someone who is independent and attractive. Details of his date will be revealed during the auction.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Be My Valentine Bachelor Auction
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Red Rose Inn and Suites' Red Rose Ballroom, 2011 N. Wheeler St., Plant City

TICKETS: $20 in advance, $25 at the door

INFORMATION: Call (813) 757-8387

Reporter Dave Nicholson can be reached at (813) 865-4432 or dnicholson@tampatrib.com.

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