Published January 14, 2015
The winner of an eBay auction for lunch with "American Idol" (search) runner-up Diana DeGarmo (search) said he bid $10,099 for the prize hoping the singer could lend some star power to his nonprofit organization.
Greg Halpern, 46, of Illinois placed the highest of 55 bids for the auction, which ended Friday night and benefits the Partnership Against Child Abuse (search).
Halpern said he wanted to bring attention to his group, People for Ultimate Kindness Toward All Living Creatures on Earth, which helps people and agencies find grant money so they can solve problems such as obesity and abuse.
Halpern said he'd like to speak with DeGarmo to gauge her interest in getting involved in his organization, although he would probably give the lunch to someone more deserving.
"Maybe what I'll do, I'll keep that lunch intact, schedule a date and go find an abused child that loves singing and would appreciate that lunch. That could be a lifetime opportunity," Halpern said.
Under the auction rules, up to four people can attend the lunch.
DeGarmo, from Snellville, finished second in the popular Fox television singing competition earlier this year.
https://www.foxnews.com/story/man-pays-10099-for-degarmo-charity-lunch