St. Pete Meme Page Auctions Date With ‘Hot Friend,’ Raises Thousands For Hurricane Ian Relief

What started as a thirst trap on social media, ends up turning into a huge charity auction for those affected from Hurricane Ian. The popular meme page raised thousands of dollars for those in SWFL by hosting an auction over social media. The prize? A date with a handsome bachelor, Alec Kugler.

Admin of the popular local meme page, @stpetemoodboard, Bryant Nardozzi went out for coffee with a friend and it turned into something much bigger. He posted a photo of his friend, Alec on an Instagram story with the text "Hot singles in your area are at @grovesurfandcoffee". Messages started pouring in about the New York-based photographer. But it was one comment that stood out from the rest: What if they auctioned off a date with Kugler for Hurricane Ian relief? Nardozzi thought it was an amazing idea and ran with it.

He whipped up a quick dating ad for his buddy and posted it as an Instagram story. The post featured his picture in a heart-shaped frame with hilarious ad lines that could get any ladies' attention: Loves his mom! Pays for the first date! Clear communicator! Emotionally developed!

Participants placed their bid in an Instagram story. Anyone who placed a bid could make donations after the auction ended to the charity of their choice, as long as it helped people affected from Hurricane Ian. Even local businesses jumped in on the action to make the date even more memorable!

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Olivia Poppy Salon in St. Pete Beach pledged to cover $150 worth of hair and makeup styling for the lucky lady. Then Ink and Glo in St. Pete offered brow services. After having dinner at Baba, the lucky winner could also get a new outfit for the occasion at St. Pete boutique Shoreline Sugars, with a $150 gift card. Lokal Swim Co. pitched in with a swimsuit worth $110. Bandit Coffee offered to supply coffee before the date; Pete’s Bagels and General Store pledged breakfast the morning after.

Two local businesses, Terrapin Ridge Farms in Clearwater and Grove Surf and Coffee, even offered to match the winning bid up to $500. Brick Street Homes joined in, offering a full match for a bid up to $3,000.

The auction ended at 6p.m. on Monday, October 10. The winning bid was $1,200, but thanks to the matches it grew to $3,400.  By the end of Tuesday, the final count for donations was $5,000.

Props to Bryant and Alec for putting on a great cause, and to all who donated. It's amazing what can be accomplished when the community comes together.

[Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Our friends to the south are still reeling from the direct hit by Hurricane Ian. Here are some of the scenes from the ground. Our station is part of the Beasley Media Group. We sent broadcast equipment to our affiliate stations in Fort Myers to help those without power and cell service to get updates on where to find food and help. If you'd like to offer your support, money is being raised for the American Red Cross relief efforts at bbgi.com/donate.