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Eager hands shot up across the room as the auctioneer raised the bidding price. Tensions rose as participants struggled to out-bid one another in order to secure their purchase.

Going once, going twice, sold!

The very first Smith Hall Man Auction took place in the Alumni Dining Commons on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, at 8:30 p.m. The freshmen ladies of California Baptist University were invited to place bids for a chance to acquire a date for the upcoming Woo Week event.

The event was organized and officiated by the Resident Assistants of Smith Hall. It was intended to provide students with an opportunity to meet new people and go on a group date in a safe and low-key environment. "If you are here for your 'ring by spring,' then this is not the event for you," Luke Womack a Smith hall resident assistant said, "However, if you want to go out and just have some fun, this event is for you."

On the night of the auction, each female in attendance was given a numbered auction sign, a brochure providing a brief description of each contestant and $100 in "funny money." Additional funds could also be won by answering a series of trivia questions.

As seats were filled, Womack took the stage and welcomed the crowd. He also introduced the official auctioneer, Pablo Rangel, and the bidding began.

"The ladies are going to bid on us and at the end they are going to reveal who we really are," said participant Neil Bodwell. "I think not knowing who you are bidding on and the anticipation is half the fun."

As each contestant was announced, a short biography was displayed on a large screen in order to give the audience a glimpse at his favorite movie, role models and idea of the perfect date. The men were simply referred to by number and true identities were not revealed until the end of the evening so that the women could base their selections solely on personality.

Throughout the night, other items were put up for auction including: a box of chocolate, laundry detergent, a box of Goldfish crackers and a stuffed dog that could sing.

The night came to an exciting end as the men paraded onto the stage, accompanied to Taylor Swift's hit song, "Love Story." One by one, bidders were asked to approach the stage as the identity of their match was revealed. As his own theme-music played, each participant stepped forward to woo his date and greet her for the first time with a friendly handshake.

"The best part of the night was winning a date with Noel Bravo and receiving a red rose," Freshman Bethany Tucker said.

As the crowd dispersed, participants eagerly relocated to the outdoor patio of the ADC to become more acquainted with one another and discuss their plans for Woo Week, which will take place Feb. 22 through Feb. 26.

Although they had just met for the first time, many participants were optimistic about the chance for new friendships. "It added a surprise because you couldn't just pick your friends. It gave you the chance to meet someone new," Kristen Leppell said.

"I think the event was fantastic and that Woo Week should be every day," Marissa Padilla said.