YLS Dating Game Brings Singles Together for a Night Out in Tuscaloosa

Are you tired of the dating apps?

Tired of getting the same WYD” text message every day?

Got dating fatigue from constantly swiping?

Well, the Young Leaders Society (YLS) of United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) has a way for you to try something different when it comes to dating.

Think … a classic television favorite with a fresh, interactive twist, matched to an exciting fundraising event. It’s the YLS Dating Game, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Cypress Inn Pavilion, 601 Rice Mine Rd N, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406.

The Singles Step into the Spotlight

“The YLS Dating Game is unlike anything YLS has done before, and that is what makes it so exciting,” said Briana Houston, President of the Young Leaders Society. “We wanted to create something that feels like a genuinely fun night out while still giving people an opportunity to support an important need in our community. Whether you come to cheer on a friend, meet new people, or just watch the show unfold, the audience is going to be a huge part of the experience.”

Four Tuscaloosa-area singles will take center stage for an evening of fun, competition, and plenty of personality as the YLS Dating Game brings the excitement of a live game mixed with night-out energy. The lineup features bachelors Matt Abney of The University of Alabama, Harris Busby of Indian Hills Country Club, and bachelorettes Darlene Atkins of Tuscaloosa County School System and Abbye Blocker of McLendon Veterinary Clinic.

No Swiping Required

“Throughout the evening, contestants will take the stage to answer questions, show off their personalities, and compete for the chance to win a lunch date with one of the featured bachelors or bachelorettes, all without seeing who is on the other side until the final selection is made,” said the press release.

As an added bonus, audience members will get in on the action, weighing in throughout the show with red and green flags as they react to contestants and potential matches in real time. Guests will also enjoy food and drinks, a silent auction, photo opportunities, and other interactive experiences throughout the evening.

According to organizers, “Guests can choose a green cup if they’re single, yellow if it’s complicated,’ or red if they’re taken, creating an easy, low-pressure way to see who may be open to meeting someone new. For anyone tired of dating apps and endless swiping, the YLS Dating Game offers a chance to put the phone down, meet people in person, and enjoy a fun, low-pressure night out.”

“We want people to know this is not a marriage proposal; it’s just lunch,” Houston said. “The whole idea is to have fun, make a connection, network, and maybe give someone the opportunity to meet a new friend they would have never crossed paths with otherwise.”

Turning Fun Into Community Impact

“YLS has always looked for creative ways to bring people together while making a difference,” said Jackie Wuska Wear, President and CEO of UWWA. “The Dating Game is a great example of that. It gives our community something new and entertaining to experience while raising resources that allow United Way to be there when our neighbors need help most.”

Funds raised through the YLS Dating Game will benefit the UWWA Emergency Fund, providing critical assistance when individuals, families, and communities across West Alabama encounter urgent or unexpected needs.

In addition to ticket sales, YLS is seeking corporate sponsors, silent auction donations, and community partners to help support the event.

Ticket Information

Tickets and additional event information are available at https://uwwa.org/dating.