Students will get the chance tonight to win non-romantic dates with ASUW and GPSS officers at the ASUW Senate’s third annual Valentine’s Day Auction.

The proceeds of the auction will go toward the Pink Blanket Fund to help cover the medical costs of the UW student brutally attacked in January.

“Each year is its own year; at the end of the day it’s the philanthropic drive that makes it a success,” said student senator Alex Lark, who was the auctioneer last year when the event raised about $1,000.

The format of the auction this year has changed, as the bidding will be focused more on the service the auctioned students will provide, rather than having the event become a popularity contest as it had in past years, Lark said.

“Instead of a date, people will be offering to help with homework, serving a home cooked meal or even dance lessons,” said ASUW Senate Chair Shawn Fisher.

ASUW President Tyler Dockins, GPSS President Dave Brown and some of the more active senators will be up on the auctioning block.

Brown is offering himself as an escort to a formal event, as part of the “friendly date” option students can choose if they don’t want people to provide a service to them.

Bidding will be integrated into the Senate agenda tonight, and all students are welcome to attend the meeting. The event will commence with a short piece of legislation about the Northern Illinois University tragedy last Thursday, when a student opened fire and killed seven people, including himself. Provost Phyllis Wise will be present for a Q&A session about campus safety.

Other items on the agenda include resolutions condemning death threats, legislation about the Bruce Lee memorial and diversity representation on campus, and Metro access to the campus, among other issues.

The idea of service is also reflected in the charity that was chosen this year, as the Pink Blanket Fund is a way for students to help students, Fisher said.

Students will have the opportunity to make donations without having to bid. Cash or check will be accepted.

“One hundred percent of the donations will go to the fund,” Fisher said.

[Reach reporter Sonia McBride at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]