OKLAHOMA—Singles in the Edmond congregation of the Philadelphia Church of God took part in one of America’s oldest fundraising traditions on June 26, a box social. Reminiscent of the scene in the musical Oklahoma!, the single women worked in teams to create a desirable picnic basket. Men, with empty stomachs, placed bids on each basket to win a meal.

The event took place at the John Amos Field house on the Church’s headquarters campus. Men sat before the auctioneer, singles director Ryan Malone, who read detailed, enticing descriptions, also provided by the ladies, of the appealing meal each basket contained. As the men, in teams of two, placed their bids, the ladies being with them watched, smiling and laughing.

After about 15 minutes of lively bidding, all the baskets were sold, with the highest bid, $80, coming from Joshua Sloan and Zechariah Henderson. Once every basket was sold, the ladies to whom they belonged stepped forward to claim their basket and an afternoon date with the men who had purchased it. Funds went to the local activity fund.

Julia Goddard commented that she did not know what to expect from the activity, but enjoyed it thoroughly.

“It was so fun to see all the boxes come in,” she said. “Each box was so unique: Korean, DIY grilling, Mediterranean and so much more. … The bidding war that ensued over each basket was so fun to watch, and all the guys were so courteous and excited.”

The double-dating pairs dined on their winnings outdoors under pleasant sunny skies and a calm breeze.