There's recently been no shortage of bachelor auctions. As a fun fund-raising event, guys selling themselves is a popular idea for charities and social groups. Less common are bachelorettes, who organisers are auctioning off at a party tonight for Compassion for Migrant Children and New Day Foster Home. Actually, they're doing both sexes - six guys and six girls (two participants missing from photo) will offer themselves for dates at Q97 this evening. 'The idea was always bachelor and bachelorettes,' said organiser Gigi Li. 'There have been so many bachelor auction parties but never in Hong Kong have I heard about a bachelorette party.'

Women selling themselves may not be an unheard of concept. But bidding for a date with a respectable girl is somewhat novel. For Li, finding willing female volunteers required some effort. 'I think people are scared that they will be laughed at. It can be daunting to be on a stage and put yourself out there. Plus, you don't know who you're going to end up on a date with. For guys, it's easier but it's very scary for girls.

'But one thing I did notice was when girls say they will commit, they commit. Whereas so many guys initially say I will do it but they drop out at the last minute.'