Local Life

A Shot in the Dark

Who will you choose to put the spring into our lucky bachelor's step?

Stephanie Brummell
Richmond.com
Wednesday, March 26, 2008

As I said last week, spring is all about "new beginnings." And the one thing I've found out about these "new beginnings," is that you have to take them slow.

So that's how I'm approaching our re-vamped "Shot in the Dark" column: slowly. Through much trial and error, I've realized that change is not something people adapt to easily and that for many of us trying something new and taking those first few steps down the road less traveled can be a little intimidating.

But lucky for me, I was able to round up two ladies willing to throw their inhibitions to the wind and rely on the votes of our readers to win a date with our lucky bachelor, Leonel.

My roommate invited Leonel to our "Singles Mingle" two weeks ago, and after all the dirty work of hosting the party was done, I finally had the chance to tell him about our column. After hearing all about Leonel's quintessential "man-on-campus" college days over a few cocktails, I knew he'd be willing to take a shot … in the dark.

The Dater

Leonel, 28, 5 feet 10 inches tall
Works as a trust specialist for SunTrust Bank Inc. while attending school at VCU to finish up his undergraduate degree in business. As friends would describe him, this spontaneous gym-goer also enjoys an entertaining flick and, of course, hitting the social scene on weekends. Leonel is looking for someone who is fun-loving, attractive, interesting and who knows how to hold a conversation. With "Crazy" by Aerosmith as his dating theme song, his ideal date would include dinner at a fine restaurant, getting to know one another with quiet conversation, followed by a drink at an upscale bar. What is he adamant about regarding his significant other? "She must be driven to succeed and have goals," he said. "She also has to be passionate, caring and have a good sense of humor."

The Contestants

Brooke, 28, 5 feet 7 inches tall
Puts her passion for sports (especially football "Go Panthers!") to work as the administrative assistant for the Athletics and Youth Offices at the Country Club of Virginia. Apart from enjoying live sporting events and her soft spot for karaoke, Brooke also enjoys the simple pleasures of a beautifully set table with a fantastic meal as well as all the museums, parks and shops that the city of Richmond has to offer. Her friends would describe her as genuine, kind-hearted and, in general, "a whole lot of fun." Brooke is looking for the three "c's" in a relationship: chemistry, caring and someone who is old-fashioned, crazy about her. Thus far, "Wishing on Someone Else's Star" has been Brooke's theme song, but the person who can change all that? "I absolutely love animals, and my guy needs to also!"

Holly, 22, 5 feet 6 inches tall
Coincidentally also works for SunTrust as an investment associate. When she's not working, Holly gives back to the city that's given her so much, by volunteering with Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and the Breast Cancer Foundation. She also enjoys anything outdoors including concerts, vineyards and sometimes getting her hands dirty. Holly's friends describe her as funny, witty, independent, strong-willed, determined – and she's looking for someone just the same. "Goals and a sense of humor are important to me and he must be an 'up-for-anything' kind of guy; someone who is honest, hard-working and will laugh at my corny jokes and maybe tell me some of his own." For Holly, Whitesnake describes her dating past perfectly with "Here I Go Again."

UPDATED: The polls have closed and the results are in! Thanks to everyone who voted and check back tomorrow for the results and a sneak-peek at where our two daters will be heading to take a Shot in the Dark.

Ready to take your own "Shot in the Dark?" What have you got to lose? Click here for our online submission form.

Results

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26 comments.

David Hylton
4/1/2008 at 3:36:05 PM

Richmond.com Article Feedback - Leave your comment today!

Following an inappropriate comment that has since been deleted, all comments on this column will no longer be approved. Look for the next "Shot in the Dark" column on Wednesday.

Sexy Chocolate Thunder
4/1/2008 at 3:34:57 PM

BLAH BLAH BLAH! GO Holly GO! She loves all our comments cause we are FRIENDS Get IT. FRIENDS!

James Blake
4/1/2008 at 3:29:40 PM

Interesting that people say the rules were changed. from the looks of it, there were problems, so the voting was extended. I even saw that this morning on this story. I'm sure there's still hope for Holly to find a date, and I wonder if she likes her friends leaving these comments?

A. Lewis
4/1/2008 at 3:26:08 PM

Hold on now I honestly didnt think this was a beauty pagent competition. Looks are not everything and I support Holly because I work with her and know her. I have worked with Brooke I would do the same for her. No need to put anyone down because beauty SIMPLETON is in the eyes of the beholder. I guess all who has to something to say bout looks date all super models. Get real and join us in 2008. Thanks for your time and Holly WE WILL HOOK U UP!

KEETA
4/1/2008 at 2:09:12 PM

THIS SITUATION IS CRAZY HOLLY WON FAIR AND SQUARE THE AND BROOKE DID NOT. IT WAS NO REASON TO EXTEND THE VOTING PERIOD. GIVE THE RIGHTFUL WINNER BACK HER WINNING TITLE (HOLLY). SHE IS THE BEST CANIDATE OUT OF THE TWO. DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND GIVE IT BACK TO HOLLY. WE LOVE YOU HOLLY NO MATTER WHAT. AND TO WYATT B SHE DID HAVE A DATE BUT IT WAS STOLEN FROM HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous
4/1/2008 at 1:58:49 PM

All we are trying to do make it fair and not just to get holly to win but to show that is should be fair. Nothing againt brook we all love our friend in our head but it should be fair and even. How bout we help you find a date!!!

Sherry
4/1/2008 at 1:56:21 PM

Wyatt B. that's besides the point this is a competition with rules and they were CHANGED at the last minute!That's why we are posting like this because Holly is our friend!!!

Bobby D
4/1/2008 at 1:54:44 PM

U really wanna battle these women?....LOL u startin beef in the comments...be prepaired!!!

Wyatt B.
4/1/2008 at 1:51:58 PM

I came across these comments and starting laughing out loud. Are you people serious? If Holly's supporters are such good friends, then help her find a date!!

susan
4/1/2008 at 1:48:09 PM

This is awful. There needs to be a re-vote. You can not change the rules in the middle of the game. Maybe NBC 12 on your side should know about how your web page operates since you are not reliable.

Sherry
4/1/2008 at 1:42:42 PM

I cant beleive that the voting was extended without an update showing on the website that it had been extended. I didnt know nor did any of Holly's supporters know of this.

David Hylton - Email this User
4/1/2008 at 1:19:54 PM

We had some unexpected technical glitches with the voting overnight, so we extended the voting this morning. This is the first time we have used this voting with the redesigned Web site and we were unable to close the polls when we first planned.

Peggy
4/1/2008 at 1:13:45 PM

Explain why the voting period was extended until 12 noon today, please. This doesn't appear to be legit, as the rules were changed at the last minute!

Andy - Email this User
4/1/2008 at 11:53:19 AM

Brooke is awesome. Any guy would be lucky

Jill
4/1/2008 at 11:44:21 AM

Brooke is SO great!!! I have never met someone more fun. VOTE FOR BROOKE!!!!!!!!!

christina
4/1/2008 at 10:57:43 AM

I thought this competition was over at midnight last night. Why are people still allowed to void? Holly had one as of midnight last night. The total was 51% Holly 49% Brooke.

Editor's note: Voting has been extended until noon, April 1.

shameeka - Email this User
3/31/2008 at 6:23:20 PM

holly is da bomb , go wit her

Christina
3/31/2008 at 4:27:08 PM

Holly is a wonderful person! I also work with Holly and she is very fun, energetic and all around nice person. Go Holly!

A. Lewis
3/31/2008 at 3:56:27 PM

WOW Leonel you have a hard decision but im here to make it known that HOLLY is the one. As mentioned before she is very fun to be around, great personality and all around outgoing. I work with her currently and from what I can tell you would have a nice time being in her company. Once again in the end you would have found a great friend in her hopefully more. Holly 4 Dater 2008!

Sherry - Email this User
3/31/2008 at 3:36:46 PM

Leonel, If Holly is picked you wil be dating a very nice energetic down to earth girl. You date will be filled with so much fun and excitement in the end you would have made a great friend.

Foxx
3/31/2008 at 3:30:03 PM

I agree with Shona what have you got to loose it's free !!!

Cindy
3/28/2008 at 3:05:37 PM

Chris, Richmond.com is treating. Hey why not, go out for a nice time and be treated as well? Hey Chris why don't you volunteer for a shot in the dark? Sounds like you need a date.

Chris
3/27/2008 at 11:21:01 AM

Could the pictures be any smaller for the girls? Leonel say goodbye to your savings account with all those dinners and drinks times 2.

Sharon Ross
3/27/2008 at 8:57:03 AM

Brooke

Shona
3/27/2008 at 8:55:56 AM

I think that Holly is a great person and he should definitely go with her on the date!

SARA - Email this User
3/26/2008 at 5:09:39 PM

defintely Brooke.

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