Students Make a Bid for Disease Awareness at Annual Auction

The Student Union Theatre on the second floor of the SU was filled to capacity Saturday as students turned out for the Black Student Union's annual Sickle Cell Anemia Auction.

"Sickle cell is a disease that's not really broadcasted, though it affects minorities in a big way," said Abraham Robinson, a senior triple major in psychology, communication and social sciences. "Through things like the auction people might get an education about it."

Sickle Cell anemia, which is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders, is most commonly found in African Americans and Hispanics, according to BlackHealthCare.com.

The auction featured student participants who showcased their talents on stage, while friends and admirers in the audience made bids. The money generated from the bids is set aside to be donated to the Women and Children's Clinic at the Children's Hospital Sickle Cell Parent Group, according to Cristo Benedit, a senior communication major and president of BSU.

Having fun while supporting a cause was the theme of the night, according to Benedit.

"People had a great time, they were laughing and joking and having fun bidding on their friends," said Benedit. "(The host) had a few jokes about my suit, even though I was on point, but it was all love and the cause was supported."

Benedit said the auction has been a consistent part of BSU's fall semester activity line up for 10 years.

"It's been in BSU history since the '80s," he said. "It's been one of these events that's come and gone, but now it's here to stay."

For the last five years the auction has been held in conjunction with ladies of Alpha Beta Sigma sorority, who focus their philanthropic efforts on sickle cell anemia fundraising.

According to some spectators, the night came together and made for an enjoyable event.

" It was a nice little get together," said Marvin Nelson, junior electrical engineering major. "It was fun, I liked the acts, and Abe was really good as the host, and the ladies looked good."

The hosts of the auction, Robinson and Shavonne Wyche, a graduate student, kept the audience laughing during the breaks. Robinson, who had a penchant for making quips about audience members or participants, elicited a great deal of laughter from spectators.

"I try to entertain and keep the crowd's attention," said Robinson. "I was nervous, but when you get on stage and you get into the groove and you know what the show is about it's worth it."

Raising money for sickle cell awareness is one of the main goals of BSU, and Benedit said turnout for such events is usually good.

" We've been pretty successful," said Benedit. "Last year we raised about $2,000."

Though most of the 300 students who showed up at the auction limited their participation to being spectators, those who came to be auctioned provided the means for entertainment.

Michael Daley, a junior pharmacy major, was auctioned and said though he had some anxiety while on stage, the outcome was worth the effort.

"I danced a little then stood there," said Daley. "I was afraid of going up there and getting $5. That would have been messed up."

Bidding on Daley closed at $65.

Even with the risk of embarrassment, Daley said he participates in the auction every year.

"I don't do a lot of things in school, but I do this every year because it's for a worthy cause."

There were occasional breaks in the show, during which the hosts gave "shout-outs" to the different organizations and clubs who attended.

According to Benedit, many of UB's organizations showed support with their presence at the auction. Organizations such as the Haitian Student Association, the Caribbean Student Association, National Society of Black Engineers, Minority Management Society, Hip Hop SA, Minorities in Health Related Professions, Latin American SA, Puerto Rican Organization, Dignity, Elevation and Responsibility, along with a number of Greek organizations, were present.

Students from other schools, such as Buffalo State College, Daemon College and Fredonia State College were also at the auction.

At the end of the evening bidding from the auction had generated over $1000 for Sickle Cell awareness.

According to Benedit, the night was a success and left the participants feeling uplifted.

"It feels really good to raise money for charity," he said. "And as an organization it feels really good to give back to the community."