Sealed with a Kiss

Kissers, everywhere, take note: This weekend is your chance to lock lips for a good cause.\nIU's student group Revitalizing Animal Well-Being will host its first annual "Sealed with a Kiss" Kissing Marathon at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at The Lodge (formerly known as Space 101), at 101 E. Sixth St. Through its marathon, RAW hopes to raise awareness about the fur industry's slaughtering of Canadian seals. \nCouples of all sexual orientations are welcome to compete in the kissing durability competition, while others can listen to live music and participate in various booths. Entrance to the event is free, and a raffle ticket for the competition is $2. Three tickets are $5. \n"Sealed with a Kiss" will give people a chance to learn about the cruelty of the seal hunt, said Deborah Strickland, RAW co-president and co-founder, in an e-mail. IU's OUT and the Monroe County Humane Society are co-hosting the event, and will provide informational booths. All proceeds will go to seal-saving organizations such as the Humane Society.\nRAW attempts to fight for the better treatment of animals while giving animal advocacy "a sexy makeover," Strickland said. \nShe, along with friend and colleague Courtney Wennerstrom, founded RAW when the two of them realized IU didn't have an animal advocacy group.\n"(RAW is) trying to show people that anyone who loves animals can help create positive changes," Strickland said. "At a school with such talented and passionate students, we knew that (not having an animal-rights group) was a major oversight."\nWith Valentine's Day just around the corner, "Sealed with a Kiss" is a way for the group to combine its interest in the fair treatment of animals with its mission of making animal advocacy fun and sexy, Strickland said.\nPotential guests shouldn't be scared away by the kissing theme, Strickland said. There will be activities for single people and friends as well as couples. The marathon lineup includes kissing booths, bobbing for Hershey's kisses, free refreshments and live music from bands Fatted Calf String Band, Either Or and Busman's Holiday. Attendees will also have the chance to buy tickets for a host of raffle prizes, including gift certificates to Mother Bear's Pizza, Upland Brewery and Sage Advice Skin Care. \n"Sealed with a Kiss" will also feature a table where guests can sign letters to Indiana Sens. Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar to encourage government intervention to stop the seal slaughter.\nAlthough the event is off-campus, it will still be accessible to students who live on campus and is an ideal first stop for groups making their way to downtown bars or restaurants, Strickland said. \n"People should attend if they want to start out their Saturday night having a blast and contributing to a wonderful cause," she said.