Bid on a date at annual Sweetheart Auction

A teacher, a firefighter, soccer coach or engineer.

Take your pick -- literally.

They will be among 20 eligible singles taking a turn on the stage Saturday during The Larkin Center's 12th annual Sweetheart Auction at the Chicago Marriott Northwest in Hoffman Estates.

Themed "Romance Under the Stars," the event raises thousands each year to support programs for at-risk children and young adults.

"It's in fun," said Claudia Van Delinder, a public relations representative for the Elgin-based organization. "It's a great cause. You feel like you're doing something for the community."

The party will feature music, food and a celebrity impersonator beginning at 6 p.m. in the hotel ballroom.

There will be a silent auction, appetizers, dessert and a cash bar. Not to forget, music to dance to by a local DJ. Some 300 people are expected to attend.

Paul McCartney look-a-like Mike Olie will greet party goers as they arrive, as well as inject some extra fun into the live auction of bachelors and bachelorettes, Van Delinder said.

"The bachelors and bachelorettes are the real stars of the evening," she said.

Each will be auctioned to the highest bidder, along with a special date package for the couple to enjoy. Packages include dinner at restaurants like Maggiano's and the Anvil Club and tickets to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Noble Fool Theatre in St. Charles, local sporting events and more.

And if it's in the stars, so to speak, dates could include a little something more. Van Delinder said there have been a few love matches made at the auction over the years, including one or two who have made it all the way to the altar.

All of the tickets and items to be auctioned have been donated for the cause, she said.

"We have wonderful supporters," she said. "Everybody really has kind of rallied behind us, which is nice."

Since its beginnings in 1996, proceeds from the event have totaled some $300,000.

The Larkin Center operates numerous programs, including a day school for at-risk students, a residential program, transitional skills center and community counseling services.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. You can purchase tickets at www.larkincenter.org or at The Larkin Center, 1212 Larkin Ave., Elgin. For details, call Sharon Prizy at (847) 695-5656, ext. 263.

The Marriott also is offering rooms at a discounted rate if you want to make a night of it. Just call the hotel at (847) 645-9500 and ask for a room reserved by the Larkin Center.

And if you can't make it to the Sweetheart Auction, don't worry. The Larkin Center will hold its Cheers for Children Brunch April 13 and has plans for its annual golf outing May 19.

The Bachelors

Rob Darr, 28, assistant retail manager, Elgin

A sports fan, Darr says the Cubs top his list of teams to watch. He also enjoys movies and spending time with friends.

Daniel Driscoll, 30, youth soccer coach, South Elgin

When he isn't coaching, Driscoll likes to cook. He also finds fun in reading by the fireplace with a glass of wine.

Matt Johnson, 30, mortgage banker, Algonquin

Johnson enjoys spending time with family, friends and his dog, Jake. He even can play the cow bell.

Hamid Kashani, 25, engineer, Crystal Lake

Don't take Kashani to a Bears game -- he's a Packers fan. He also plays soccer and he also likes the challenge of testing new computer programs.

Joe Krelle, 27, sales executive, Warrenville

Krelle is always on the go. You'll often find him outdoors playing basketball, mountain biking and taking photographs.

Drew Leslie, 31, manager, Chicago

Leslie likes to do almost anything outdoors, including fishing, skiing, camping and hunting. He's looking forward to a fun evening at the auction.

Jason Partipilo, 29, senior inventory control coordinator, Carol Stream

Partipilo considers himself a laid-back jeans and T-shirt kind of guy. Sports, fishing and cars are among his hobbies.

Nick Pastovich, 28, operations technician, Glendale Heights

Pastovich says he is a "man of simple pleasures" like working out, cooking and billiards. He counts serving in the military as his greatest achievement.

Art Scaccia, 31, chemical engineer, Wheeling

Scaccia says he likes all things Italian, including cooking Italian foods and making wine. He also is a bit of a technology buff and plans to enter a master's degree program.

Ben Stahl, 26, account executive, Glen Ellyn

Stahl enjoys playing the guitar, drawing and playing basketball. He also loves to travel and experience new cultures.

Ryan Wyckoff, 29, firefighter/paramedic, Chicago

Wyckoff is living his childhood dream as a firefighter. In his spare time, he enjoys riding his Harley and spending time with friends and family.

The Bachelorettes

Shabnam Daya, 23, Wyndham sales coordinator, Elgin

Daya calls herself a connoisseur of bad movies. She also enjoys hitting balls at the golf range and an occasional salsa lesson.

Laura Michalski, 27, deaf education teacher, Chicago

When she's not eating, Laura can be found playing or coaching volleyball, reading, or spending time with friends and family. She enjoys music and plans to travel and learn more about other cultures.

Christine Nelson, 46, project analyst, Hoffman Estates

Nelson is at home with a variety of hobbies, including home improvements, gourmet cooking, tennis and chess. Raising two children has been her greatest achievement, she says.

Meghan Reining, 27, assistant human resources manager, Huntley

Reining enjoys working out, traveling, reading and running, among other things. She also finds herself participating in numerous Chicago area events, like the Muddy Buddy race.

Denise Richardson, 42, child-care worker, Elgin

Richardson likes a good scare, especially when it comes in the form of a horror movie. She also likes playing poker, singing karaoke and calls her three children the "loves of my life."

Meghan Ritter, 27, human resource associate, Chicago

Spending time on the beach and walking her dog are among Ritter's favorite activities. She also likes watching the White Sox.

Anna Scaccia, 34, emergency room nurse, Chicago

Scaccia finds herself cheering on the Cubs and Bears each season. She also is working on a master's degree in health law.

Erika Smith, 32, teacher, Elgin

Smith is a basketball coach and mentor and facilitator for the Rainbows program in her spare time. She also enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and taking on projects around the house.

Lisa Vitola, 39, associate manager, travel services, Gilberts

Vitola belongs to several social groups, including sushi and wine groups. She loves to travel, try new things and ride on the back of a motorcycle.