Everyone’s curiosity buzzes around the room as the wait continues. Young men in suits and ties joke with each other, unable to contain their excitement. Girls in dresses count their money while picking out potential bachelors to bid on. Finally the auctioneer calls for the start of the auction, introducing the first bachelor. While he steps up to stroll down the “red carpet,” he flashes the first smile of the night, anticipating the pink signs.

On Feb. 20, the Thirst Project held the first Bachelor Auction, inviting all Texas High girls to bid on their favorite guys. Boys from all grades used their looks and qualities to catch the highest bid from any girl with the most money. All bids went towards constructing wells for water in Swaziland.

“It sounded like a fun way to help out. I thought it was great,” freshman Jebin Justin said. “I know that some people were very doubtful that it would go right, but I think it went well. I was excited to see who would bid on me.”

The Thirst Project raised $1682 off of the event, starting each bid at $5 and letting the amount go up from there. Nineteen guys participated, each receiving an average offer of $20, while some went for much more. The girls who bid the highest will get to attend a pizza party with their bachelors one day during enrichment.

“I was surprised at how much money they got,” sophomore Nick Graves said. “A lot of guys got like $20, but there was one that got $200, so it was a lot more than I expected.”

The boys who participated were encouraged to wear their best dress attire for the Bachelor Auction in order to give them a better chance of attracting bidders. With the help of many members of Student Council, the event was student-run and well-organized.

“I know this was for charity, that’s always a plus, but I knew it would be a fun thing to dress up and for the girls to be with each other,” senior Chase Watkins said.

Each bid lasted between one and two minutes, and each bachelor got swift offers and efficient performance, giving way to a fundraiser different from others.

“There would be a lot more money the second time if people realized how much money we got here,” junior Jera Davis said. “I think this fundraiser gets people more involved, and it allows us to do something together. Plus it’s easy so it doesn’t take a lot of time.”