Residential Life hosts blind dating game

Is love really blind?

Union College students crowded into Woods Auditorium on the evening of Valentine’s Day: some ate at tables while others preferred to sit in the rows of chairs in the middle. Many people were simply there for the laughs and fellowship, but others had come to play in a new game show — the “Blind Dating Game.”

David Kabanje, Union College chaplain and vice president for spiritual life, emceed the event, sharing jokes and words from his beloved “Gen. Z Dictionary” on stage. He also drew names for the contestants that would go on stage and play. The game worked as follows: one “lucky lady,” as Kabanje said, was chosen and was immediately escorted to the back room while five men were chosen from the pool of contestants. They came to the stage, while the original contestant returned, seated behind a barrier so the potential suitors could not be seen. She then proceeded to read questions for the contestants to answer. The one who gave the worst answer was promptly removed from the game, using the process of elimination to narrow down the contestants.

The questions part brought cheers from fans in the audience as they rooted for their favorite guys or girls, as the contestants were alternated for each round. One question was, “what is the meaning of ok?” while others were prompted to share “the ideal location for a first date.” Pickup lines, dad jokes and ways to stay closer to God also were mentioned. Kabanje’s animated personality kept the event rolling, even during the final round when several contestants’ names were accidentally revealed on stage, causing the audience to burst into laughter.

Three rounds of the game were played; in between, the audience was treated to musical performances and storytelling from talented Union students Maxwell Lassel, Kianna Frishman, Ahchen Edwards and Andy Obregon. 

In the end, three lucky couples won and received an all-expenses-paid date night courtesy of Residential Life. The winning couples were Taylor Blake and Ethan Needles; Aleina Melo and Liam Liversidge; and Milka Mendoza Sanchez and Brandon Hansen.

Even though it isn’t likely that anything serious will happen as a result of the event (though it is always possible), attendees received a good laugh and perhaps some tips on their next romantic excursion. In short, there is always a chance to find love, even if it is on a campus game show.

By: Charles Metz