With cheers erupting and bids going all around, the Nittany Lion danced, flipped and push-upped his way to raising $90 at the Schreyer Honors College Student Council's Date Auction on Wednesday night.

The Nittany Lion was one of about 60 students who auctioned themselves in singles and pairs to groups of four to raise money for the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research.

The event kicked off with three students singing Taylor Swift's "Love Story," only changing the lyrics around. The song matched the theme of the event, which took place at Simmons Dining Commons.

Singing words like "We should all start dating, the money goes to charity. It could lead to mating," drew laughter and applause from the crowd.

Roland Jeon (senior-finance), one of the hosts of the event, said this is the event's fifth year.

"This is the biggest turnout we've had in students being auctioned off, so we're really excited about the outcome," Jeon said.

Jeon added that the event is something the student council always looks forward to, providing an "energized and excited atmosphere."

"Not only is this for a good cause, but it also builds a great community, with students coming around here and not knowing each other and supporting each other ... it's great," Jeon said.

Gillian Love (sophomore-biology), co-coordinator of the event and also the winner of a date with the Nittany Lion, said she was also surprised with the attendance.

"It seems like it gets a lot bigger each year," Love said.

As for her date, Love said she and her four other friends who helped pay for the bid were "excited" to meet the Nittany Lion.

"He's our school's mascot and I've never met him before, so I'm looking forward to it," Love said. "It was just impulsive bidding for him, not planned at all."

Co-coordinator Laura Ross (sophomore-political science) said she was "pleased" with the turnout, despite it being on the same night as the first game of the World Series.

"This event is a tradition, and it's always in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month," Ross said. "It worked out well compared to last year, when the date auction took place on the last game of the World Series -- I'm happy people decided to come out and support a great cause."

Deb Cibos (sophomore-political science), who attended the event to support her friends, described the event as "fun and relaxed."

"People are having a good time, and it's a good outcome for a good cause," Cibos said.

Pamphlets were provided at the event, providing students with facts about breast cancer.

The entire room of Simmons was covered with pink balloons and streamers "in honor of those fighting breast cancer," said Ross.

The event raised a total of $1,500.