The Dating Game – Young Leaders Society | United Way of West Alabama

The Dating Game

Love, laughs, and a little friendly competition — all for a great cause.

📅 September 16, 2026·🕔 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.·📍 Cypress Inn Pavilion
🎟️ Tickets Coming Soon Apply to Be a Contestant →

♥   Proceeds benefit the United Way of West Alabama Emergency Fund

Young Leaders Society of United Way of West Alabama

An Unforgettable Night for a Great Cause

The Young Leaders Society is bringing the excitement of the classic television dating show to Tuscaloosa. Four featured singles — two bachelors and two bachelorettes — will take the stage as contestants answer questions, show off their personalities, and compete for a chance to win a date.

The audience will be part of the action throughout the night, using red and green flags to weigh in on the answers. Guests can also enjoy food, drinks, a silent auction, a themed photo booth, and plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle.

Best of all, proceeds from the event will support the United Way of West Alabama Emergency Fund, which helps local individuals and families facing urgent needs.

Your Night Out Makes a Difference

Every ticket, auction bid, and event purchase helps United Way of West Alabama respond when local individuals and families face unexpected emergencies.

Who Will Make a Match?

Get to know our featured bachelors and bachelorettes before the big show.

Coming Soon

Our featured bachelors and bachelorettes will be revealed soon.
Check back as we announce who's ready to step into the spotlight.

Join Us for the Show

Choose the experience that works best for you. VIP seating is limited.

🎟️
Tickets Coming Soon

We're putting the finishing touches on ticket options. Check back shortly — and when they drop, VIP seats won't last long.

🎫 General Admission⭐ VIP — Reserved Seating

General Admission includes entry, food, one drink, and audience participation materials.
VIP includes reserved seating near the stage plus upgraded food & drink benefits.

⚡ VIP seating is limited and is expected to sell quickly.

More Than Just a Dating Show

The night is packed with entertainment, food, drinks, and plenty of ways to get involved.

🚩
Red Flag or Green Flag?

Purchase a green and red flag for $2 and use them to react to contestant answers throughout the show. Your input matters!

🥤
Relationship-Status Cups

Let everyone know where you stand.

🟢 Single🟡 Situationship🔴 Taken
🍽️
Food & Drinks

Lamon's Fried and Frosty will provide all of the food, drinks, and bar service for the evening — including beer, wine, liquor, and seltzers.

🏷️
Silent Auction

Bid on curated packages assembled by YLS members and community supporters. Proceeds benefit the United Way Emergency Fund.

📸
Photo Booth

Strike a pose at the Dating Game–themed photo booth. The perfect spot for a group shot with friends.

💌
Win a Date

Each successful match will receive a lunch-date gift card. Love is always a winning cause.

Think You Could Make a Match?

We are looking for fun, outgoing, and eligible contestants who are ready to step on stage, answer a few questions, and see whether sparks fly.

📋 Eligibility Requirements
  • Applicants must be 21 or older.
  • Applicants must be available on September 16, 2026.
  • Selected contestants must sign a participant waiver and media release.
  • Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
  • Selected applicants will be contacted directly.
✨ Ready to Step Into the Spotlight?

Complete the short matchmaking questionnaire so the planning committee can find your perfect match.

Apply to Be a Contestant →

Applications close: September 1, 2026

Help Us Build the Silent Auction

YLS members, businesses, and community partners can support the event by donating an item, service, experience, or themed auction package. Every contribution helps make the night a success.

Donate an Auction Item

Questions? Contact Austin Smithson — austin@uwwa.org

Everything You Need to Know

The Dating Game

Presented by the Young Leaders Society of United Way of West Alabama

📅
Date
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
🕔
Time
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍
Venue
Cypress Inn Pavilion
[FULL VENUE ADDRESS]
👗
Dress Code
[DRESS CODE]
🚗
Parking
[PARKING DETAILS]
🔞
Age Requirement
18+ (21+ to consume alcohol)
🎟️ Tickets Coming Soon

Got Questions?

Here are answers to the most common ones.

Is this a real dating event?
Yes. The show is designed to be entertaining, but the featured bachelors, bachelorettes, and contestants are real people who are open to making a connection.
Do I have to be single to attend?
No — everyone is welcome to attend. Relationship-status cups will help guests identify whether someone is single, in a situationship, or taken.
What does my ticket include?
General admission includes event entry, food, one drink ticket, audience participation materials, and access to the silent auction. VIP tickets include reserved seating near the stage and upgraded food and drink benefits. Final package details will be listed before tickets go on sale.
Will additional drinks be available?
Yes. Cypress Inn Pavilion will operate the event bar with beer, wine, liquor, and seltzers available according to the final ticket and bar structure.
How do I apply to be a contestant?
Complete the online application . The planning committee will review applications and contact selected applicants directly.
Is contestant information kept private?
Application responses will be reviewed only by the event planning team for selection and matchmaking purposes. Selected contestants will be asked before any personal information is published.
What does the event benefit?
Proceeds support the United Way of West Alabama Emergency Fund, which helps local individuals and families facing urgent, unexpected needs.
Can I donate to the silent auction?
Yes. Businesses, YLS members, and community supporters are invited to donate items, services, experiences, or complete auction packages. See the section above for details on how to get involved.

Will It Be a Match? 💘

Join us for a fun night of love, laughs, and surprises!

🎟️ Tickets Coming Soon Apply to Be a Contestant