Students sell souls for charity

Betsy McLeod Published: Friday, April 8, 2005

Twenty-three KU students sold their souls to random bidders last night at the first ever SOMA-sponsored Soul Auction.

“Since we are an Atheist/Agnostic group we thought it would be a good idea to make fun of the concept of having souls while making money at the same time,” Keiv Spare, co-organizer and Parsons senior, said.

The auction was held by the Society of Open-Minded Atheists and Agnostics, or SOMA, at the Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union. SOMA and the Douglas County Aids Project split the proceeds from the auction. Organizers held the event to raise awareness about the group and raise money for charity.

The auction made more than $1,200. The highest bid went to Kelly Spencer, Overland Park freshman, whose soul sold for $400. Brandon Kuehmichel, Milwaukee, Wis., graduate student, purchased Spencer’s soul.

“I thought it was crazy anyone would spend that much on me,” Spencer said.

The soul-sellers were bound to their buyers for a minimum of three hours, doing everything from going on a date to doing charity or housework.

“The girls always make the most money,” Paul Youk, co-organizer and Durham graduate student, said. The next highest bid was on Leah Spare, Parsons sophomore, whose soul sold for $140. She participated in the auction because it was for a good cause and had nothing else to do tonight, she said.

Bids were initiated based on the type of work the soul for sale was willing to do and the amount of time he or she was willing to spend doing it. Although most of the students involved were members of SOMA, the auction was open to everyone.

Edited by Austin Caster