O.C.’s hunks up for hire

The guys strutting their stuff down the runway in the third annual OC’s Most Eligible Bachelor Auction tonight at Newport Lexus are supposed to be in a tux or suit. Very GQ, professional looking.

Bob Klotz was thinking breakaway pants might be a better idea. You know, just to up the ante a little and ensure a healthy bid.

“How much are guys going for these days anyway?” he asked.

Well, Bob, that probably depends on you.

The minimum opening bid for a date with a bachelor is $100, and with a female audience expected in the hundreds, this fundraiser for the 2008 Miss Newport Beach and Miss Newport Beach Teen pageants is likely to be successful.

Klotz is one of 25 bachelors graciously donating their time and personalities to help out a worthy cause.

“Bachelor auction, beauty pageant, it’s a win-win situation for everyone,” Klotz said.

Bachelors range in ages from 24 to 55 and reside in Orange County cities including Corona Del Mar, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and San Clemente.

For those women willing to dive in, the bachelor pool includes doctors, lawyers, executives, models and celebrities. Oh, and a couple of bad boys thrown in for good measure.

If you think you can handle a hot combo, don’t let Jared West get away. He said he’s a chief executive, celebrity and “bad boy.”

With guest appearances on this season’s “Real OC Housewives” and more to come next season, West does qualify as a celebrity. Not to mention the fact that he received the top bid — $1,000 — the auction’s first year.

“I sure hope I’ll go for much more this year,” West said. As an added bonus, he wants women to know he’s open to the “love connection.”

Each hunky bachelor purchase comes complete with a date package. Blue Water Grill has donated $50 gift certificates for dinner, and each woman will receive a goody bag with special pre-date perks — a makeup session at Planet Beauty, tanning cocktail at Sunset Tan, and mini bottles of Tommy Bahama Ultra Premium Rum.

Couples are encouraged to plan their own dates, but they won’t have to worry about transportation. The car service company “Your Car, Our Driver” will provide a “chauffeur” for two hours of driving time the day of the date.

James Rutherford said he’s honored to have been asked to participate in the auction, and hopes the wide variety of things he has to offer will appeal to a woman with shopping on her mind. Rutherford is a father, actor, musician, businessman and a little bit of a romantic.

“My idea of an ideal date is a great glass of wine and a really nice dinner, topped off with a cruise in my boat,” he said.

Jeff Bozz and Devin Haman, owners and stars of E!’s “Sunset Tan” are a few of the other celebrities up for grabs.

Emcees Caren Lancona of B Scene Advertising, “Real Housewives” alum Ashley Zarlin and model, nutritionist and author Dorothy Dawn will introduce each guy and read his bio as he walks the walk and parades his stuff on an elevated stage set up smack in the middle of the Newport Lexus showroom floor.

Bobby Norby is a self-employed mortgage broker, and has also been working with Lancona on a project to bring the NFL back to Orange County.

Norby said he likes to travel, is comfortable talking to people, and thinks going out for sushi would be a nice way to spend the evening with his date.

Some bachelors are going above and beyond the call of duty by adding their own touches to the date packages being offered.

A Catalina trip, helicopter ride, submarine ride, aromatherapy massage, dinner at a private Disneyland club and tickets to an Anaheim Ducks game are some of the incentives for choosing one bachelor over another and fueling the bidding war.

Colt Nelms has never been in a bachelor auction before, but as a marketing consultant for Image magazine, this good-old Nebraska boy shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

“I have no idea what to expect,” Nelms said. He’s hoping the alcohol has been flowing freely by the time he hits the platform.

“Worst-case scenario is my old boss will buy me,” Nelms said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: OC’s Most Eligible Bachelor Auction

WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. tonight

WHERE: Newport Lexus, 3901 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach

COST: $25. Includes appetizers provided by Austin Spencer’s Real Barbecue, free drinks and open bar

INFO: Bachelors need to be paid for that evening by cash or credit card. For information, call (949) 278-1017 or go to www.newportbeachpageant.com

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at [email protected].