Reporter, 8 others, to be sold at auction

Peach Queen raffling baskets, bachelors for charity

Preview by "Bachelor" Joshua Maloni

Oh, what have I gotten myself into this time?

My job as a reporter has allowed me to do some interesting things over the years. I've been on rock band tour buses, served as a food judge at various competitions, written articles at all hours of the night, and danced "The Nutcracker." Twice.

But, this latest endeavor is something I never expected. You see, it was just a few weeks ago that Courtney Corbetta, the reigning Peach Queen, called me and asked if she could sell me for charity.

"Each year, the Peach Queen does their own fundraiser. I wanted to do something different," she explains.

I'll say.

"In the past, the girls have done runway shows, fashion shows - actually the ladies helped me come up with the idea," the 17-year-old Corbetta says. "Because I wanted something that would be fun and fresh, and something that no one has ever really done in Lewiston before. And I thought a bachelor auction would attract all the ladies and just be a great time."

Well, when you put it that way.

Corbetta, who graduated Friday from Lewiston-Porter High School, says she's never attended a bachelor auction in person, but she's seen some famous faces auctioned off on screen.

"It'll be very interesting," she says, laughing.

Corbetta says the other eight bachelors, who range in age from 18 to mid-60s, are eager to participate. 

"Some of my friends were very excited - they were almost honored," she says. "They were like, 'Oh my God!' that I had asked them."

Since word got out that yours truly was up for bid, there's been no shortage of women promising (threatening?) to attend the fundraiser on July 10 at Tin Pan Alley in Lewiston. Among those offering to buy this 32-year-old, adjunct college professor is noted TV personality Lori Caso. The star of "Lori & Friends" would, no doubt, make me serve her guests drinks while I fan her with palms and laugh at her jokes.

Well, regardless of who wins me for a day (and did I mention I come with tickets for a cool activity?), I know the event is for a noble purpose. Corbetta is raising funds for Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, a place where she and her cousins received care.

"They're great. They help out; they're willing to do whatever they can for you," Corbetta says. "I actually made a visit there, and they showed me around, and it's just a nice facility. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help."

It's for that reason my fellow bachelor, Tom Currie, agreed to sell himself.

"It's for a good cause," he says. "I just hope they make some money."

Corbetta's goal, in addition to raising money for research, is "just to bring the community together and have fun."

The Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Queen fundraiser, aka "Bachelor Auction," is 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, at Tin Pan Alley, 775 Cayuga St. The one and only Jerry Mosey will emcee. Tickets ($15 presale - recommended - and $20 at the door) include a light lunch and a basket auction. Participants must be at least 18 years old to bid on the pieces of meat, er, the bachelors.

For tickets, call 297-5499.