As buyers and sellers gathered in the Quad, words of thanks were spoken by the organisers and a representative from the charity explained to those present how the proceeds of the evening would go towards providing access to free education to underprivileged children in Zambia.
Among those being auctioned to the buyers were the current President of RAG, Sabbatical Officers and a host of academics and various well-known to students at the LSE. The format of the evening involved several rounds of four or five individuals on offer during which people were given the chance to bid for a date with the individual of their choice.
Those who have volunteered themselves for the auction were first introduced on stage together. They then briefly described the dates that they were offering. Alongside these short speeches, volunteers were also given the chance to perform a talent in order to boost potential bids. Included in the range of talents on show was a custom-made rap by Damini Onifade, a member of the Activities Committee, and a short re-worked version of ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ performed by Matt Stimson, a member of the Athletics Union.
As bidding commenced, it became clear that some sellers would far outbid the rest. Although caution prevailed at the start of the evening, with most bids ending at the £35 mark, bidding wars rapidly sparked up, pushing up the value of certain individuals, such as the newly elected LSE Students’ Union Community and Welfare Officer, Jack Tindale, who was bought by Professor Paul Kelly, Head of the Deparment of Government, for a £115.
LSE academics also proved to be as popular as ever, with four out of five members of staff selling for around £100 each. The highest winning bid was attributed to Byamba Enkh, President of the Development Society, who was bought for an impressive £120.
The Development Society and RAG expressed their gratitude to all those who took part in the auction, and announced that a total of £1748.75 was raised for Lifeline Energy.
Francesca Washtell, Former President of the Development Society and coordinator of this year’s night said, “the event went brilliantly, it had a really great atmosphere and turnout this year, making an event that is always fun even better and very enjoyable to host.” Washtell also added. “Paul Kelly stood out as the best sport of the night for buying Jack Tindale as well as putting himself up for auction.”
