About 25 men and women from several greek chapters have volunteered to be auctioned off tonight to raise money for the Lutheran Refugee Services of Des Moines.

The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils are sponsoring the Greek Date Auction, which is open to all ISU students. The auction will be in room 127 of Curtiss Hall from 6:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“This is an all-greek philanthropy, but it is also something that other organizations and non-greek students can get involved with,” said Lindsey Hunzelman, an organizer of the event and Panhellenic Council director of special projects.

The winning bidder and his or her date will be awarded a gift certificate for a free dinner at a local Ames restaurant, said Chad Whitman, co-organizer of the event.

“There has been a huge response from local businesses,” said Hunzelman, junior in pre-journalism and mass communication. “They have all been very willing to help out.”

The first 100 to 150 people in the door will receive free food from Blimpie’s, said Whitman, Interfraternity Council vice president of operations and member of Triangle Fraternity.

There will be a voluntary $1 donation for admission. A raffle ticket will be given for every dollar donated to win door prizes such as CDs, hair-care products and sweatshirts, said Whitman, junior in chemistry.

Organizers of the event said they are excited about the event and have received positive responses from members of the greek community.

“I think it’s a really good idea,” said Brad Becker, member of Phi Delta Theta and one of the men being auctioned off.

“If there is a great lady out there that happens to snag me, I’d be welcome to it.”

It’s all in good fun and we get a free dinner, said Becker, junior in marketing.

Jen Netzel, member of Alpha Xi Delta, said she is excited to be one of the women seeking the highest bidder.

“This is a great way for people to get to know each other and to open up the greek community to non-greek students,” said Netzel, senior in dietetics.

Organizers of the event are hoping the night will be a success and will continue in the future.

“This is something that is out of the ordinary and a different type of philanthropy event that anyone can participate in,” said Hunzelman, member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. “It’s going to be a very entertaining thing to watch.”