Bid on a hunk to support Newport Beach pageants

Twenty-five of Orange County’s most eligible bachelors will be up for grabs at OC’s Most Eligible Bachelor Auction Jan. 24 at the Newport Lexus showroom.

Doctors, lawyers, models, nice guys, celebrities and a “couple of bad boys” will be sold to the highest bidder at the third annual event benefiting the 2008 Miss Newport Beach and Miss Newport Beach Teen pageants, scheduled for Feb. 22 at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort Newport Beach.

The bachelor auction will feature food sponsored by Austin Spencer’s Hickory Smoked Barbecue and cocktails by Tommy Bahama Ultra Premium Rum.

Men aren’t the only prizes available at the fundraiser. Guests can participate in a silent auction, and gift bags will be given to the winning bidders of a date with the bachelor of their choice.

Last year’s auction celebrating the 100th anniversary of Newport Beach raised $12,000 for the city.

The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25; food, drinks and valet parking are included. The Newport Lexus showroom is at 3901 MacArthur Blvd. in Newport Beach. Call (949) 278-1017 or go to www.newportbeachpageant.com for tickets.

— Sue Thoensen