Speed Dating Event is a Hit With Singles
by Nicole Nyarko, Bettendorf News
September 19, 2001
"Batman."
"Contestant number two, are you on an African safari or a stroll on the beach?"
"I’m Batman."
Sue, 37, of Davenport, meet Batman.
Over 350 singles
gathered at the World’s Largest Speed Dating Extravaganza in Bettendorf on Friday and
enjoyed the area’s first singles-only community event. The evening included dinner,
unlimited conversation, comedy and jazz.
Following a week of tragedy, many
were thankful to turn off the TV and attend what turned out to be a wonderful evening.
"Tonight is a night of friendship and community for all QC singles. Although our hearts
are with the victims and families of this week’s tragedy, let us come together and enjoy the
freedom of gathering as a group," said Susan Esser, Seven-Minute Yenta.
Before dinner,
guests gathered at the flag to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Rev. Rick Smith,
of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bettendorf, led the crowd in a prayer for the nation.
The Doug Langbehn Jazz Quartet opened with "America the Free."
Since its April 20
debut at The Novel Café in Bettendorf, Seven-Minute Dating has transformed the way singles meet
around the Quad-Cities. The word is out, and the only question that remains for many is,
"Should I try this?"
Kathleen Matush, 29, moved to the Quad-Cities a year ago from
Dallas, Texas. She said she enjoys the variety of people available to meet through Seven-Minute
Dating.
"It’s a non-threatening environment and everyone is light-hearted. If you’re
not meeting a potential date, you’re making new friends," Matush said.
The relaxed
atmosphere provided guests with the opportunity to dine and socialize. Novel Café owner Lori
Freemire provided gourmet coffees, everyone wore name tags and the dress was casual.
Dave Toye, 46, of Moline, attended with his brother. He said at first, he was a little
apprehensive about the Seven-Minute Dating, although he did participate. Events like this allow
him the freedom to approach new and interesting people.
"My brother kind of made me
come tonight, but I am enjoying it because it is much more casual than the actual Seven-Minute
Dating. It really is a lot of fun," Toye said.
One of the highlights, to many, were
the responses during the dating game in which one bachelor/bachelorette was able to ask 4-6
available singles questions like "Are you an early riser or a night owl?" "Are you a double
café mocha or Folger’s coffee?"
Bill Fisher, 66, asked Sue, 60, "Are you a Cadillac
or a Mustang?"
She said a Mustang, and the fast car won herself a date.
Many age groups attended the event, although not all with the same motives in mind.
Jerry Connors, 38, and James Draper said they want to meet new people outside of the bars to
establish real relationships. "The people I meet at bars are just not what I am looking for,"
Connors said.
"I am just enjoying the food and this jazz music, it’s great. This event
is a nice idea," Draper said.
Kay, 37, of Colona, Ill., said since she has participated
in Seven-Minute Dating, she has found new partners to attend hockey games.
Niki, 28,
and Melissa said they are looking to make some new friends.
They said, at their age,
many of their friends are married and starting families. Events like this allow them to
socialize with other singles.
"I’m not necessarily looking for men or relationships,
but for other un-married women to hang out with," Niki said.
To close out the night,
guest trumpeter Manny Lopez accompanied the Doug Langbehn Jazz Quartet in a patriotic, jazz duet
of "America the Beautiful."
"It’s amazing people can approach others with such an open
heart," Esser said.
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