Reserve pilot to be auctioned for kids

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brannen Parrish
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, kan. --  A pilot from the 18th Air Refueling Squadron will be sold to the highest bidder during an auction at the Old Town Hotel in Wichita, June 28.

Lieutenant Col. Tsuyoshi Tung and 18 other Wichita bachelors will be auctioned off at the 12th annual Make-A-Wish Kansas Bachelor's Auction.

The Kansas chapter, which is headquartered in Wichita, will use proceeds from the auction to grant wishes for children in 99 Kansas counties.

"It's very much a non-profit fund raiser," said Lisa Capps, Director of Development, Make-A-Wish Kansas. "It takes a lot of self-confidence on the part of the guys who get up there and agree to be auctioned off but they handle it well and everyone has a great time. It's really a lot of fun."

The 2013 event will mark Tung's second foray to the auction block. In 2011, a friend nominated him and he participated.

"I have children of my own, so I have a special interest in kids and it's a worthwhile cause," said Tung. "When I think about the predicament of the children we are helping, it's good to be able to raise money to give them something they wouldn't be able to do otherwise."

Tung has been involved with the organization as a volunteer since. He currently serves on the Make-A-Wish Kansas planning committee and volunteers as the organization's webmaster. He is in the process of revamping the Kansas chapter's website.

According to Capps, Make-A-Wish helps children who have life-threatening illnesses but many recover and lead lives that have been enriched by the experience.

The philosophy that drives the organization's mission is to contribute to an environment of hope for children and families. Capps said the most common wishes are for trips to amusement parks but the organization also provides assistance to families to help ease the treatment process.

"We have provided bedroom renovations and redecorating," said Capps. "We recently granted a wish for a local family who needed a hot tub to provide water therapy for two daughters."

Anyone wishing to attend the auction and bid on Tung or another local bachelor can register at http://bachelor2013.eventbrite.com/.