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.

📅 October 8, 2026·🕔 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.·📍 Cypress Inn Pavilion

♥   Proceeds benefit the United Way of West Alabama Emergency Fund

Young Leaders Society of United Way of West Alabama

Presented With Support From

Media Sponsors

LamarJames Outdoor

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.

Jeff Woods
Emcee / Host
Jeff Woods

Who Will Make a Match?

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

Matt AbneyBachelor
Matt Abney
  • 🎂
    Age 41 years old
  • 💼
    Occupation Fundraiser, Culverhouse College of Business – UA
  • Hobbies Sports, walking, travel photography, severe weather
  • About Me Louisville native, proud Alabama convert
  • 💘
    Looking For Someone easygoing and fun, ideally a sports fan who doesn't mind cheering loudly
Harris BusbyBachelor
Harris Busby
  • 🎂
    Age 32 years old
  • 💼
    Occupation Director of Health and Wellness, Indian Hills Country Club
  • Hobbies Outdoors, people-watching, working out, writing, his dog
  • About Me Eclectic, optimistic, introspective, authentic
  • 💘
    Looking For Good banter — goofy one moment, deep the next
Darlene AtkinsBachelorette
Darlene Atkins
  • 🎂
    Age 40 years old
  • 💼
    Occupation Educator, Tuscaloosa City Schools
  • Hobbies Traveling, eating, action movies
  • About Me Passionate, genuine, adventurous
  • 💘
    Looking For Someone who loves Jesus and loves to laugh
Abbye BlockerBachelorette
Abbye Blocker
  • 🎂
    Age 26 years old
  • 💼
    Occupation LVT / Veterinary Nurse, McLendon Vet Clinic
  • Hobbies Boating, traveling, mahjong, anything outside
  • About Me Confident and motivated
  • 💘
    Looking For Go-with-the-flow, easy to talk to, up for anything

Join Us for the Show

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

🎟️
Tickets On Sale Now

Grab your tickets before they're gone — VIP seating is limited!

🎫 General Admission⭐ VIP — Reserved Seating
🎟️ Buy Tickets
Ticket tier breakdown

⚡ 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 October 8, 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 →

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

Thank You to Our Supporters

This event wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

The Shirt ShopCypress Inn
Homewood Suites/205
Tucker Massey Marketing

Media Sponsors

LamarJames Outdoor

Want to Sponsor The Dating Game?

Sponsoring The Dating Game is a great way to get your brand in front of Tuscaloosa's young professional community while supporting the United Way of West Alabama. Multiple sponsorship levels are available.

Dating Game sponsorship levels

Interested? Email austin@uwwa.org to learn more.

Everything You Need to Know

The Dating Game

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

📅
Date
Wednesday, October 8, 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)
🎟️ Buy Tickets

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!