Could Speed Dating lead to romance, love and marriage? Well, that’s exactly what happened to Annie Laokwansatitaya and Steve Pongpairoj. They first met at BNOW’s speed dating event in January 2005 and sparks flew!

Urged by friends, Steve and Annie signed up separately. “I thought that a speed dating fundraiser benefiting Soi Dog Rescue (www.soidogrescue.org) was a great idea and besides I would be able to meet new and interesting people, even if it did not lead to romance,” says Annie. “I felt the same way too. But, when I met Annie, I knew there was something special about her. I broke out of rotation just to go back and talk with her a few more times. Who would have guessed that I would meet the love of my life at a speed dating?” Steve adds.

(L-R) Pacharee Pantoomano-Pfirsch, Steve Pongpairoj, Annie Laokwansatitaya, and Damien Pfirsch.

“Since this was the first time I did speed-dating, I was a little apprehensive with the follow-up match. Over the months, Steve’s romantic ways won me over. Coming back from a month long overseas business trip, Steve proposed to me. It was a great big surprise, but I knew it was right,” says Annie. Late last year, Annie and Steve tied the knot and celebrated with 400 friends and family members.

Like many singles with a busy work life, Annie and Steve realized that humdrum dates were a thing of the past for singles looking to meet someone new. Organized at a popular bar or restaurant, speed-dating involves lots of fun-loving singles and offers up to 40 five-minute dates in one night.

“Naturally, a decision to marry isn’t made in five minutes,” says Pacharee Pantoomano-Pfirsch, Chairwoman of BNOW. “But it’s an opportunity like no other. Speed dating gives you the chance to meet many singles without having to commit an entire evening to just one date. Often, people make new friends at our events and that offers an opportunity to expand your social circle as well.”

BNOW’s next speed dating will be held on Thursday, 9 February 2006. The event’s concept is simple. Armed with a nametag and dazzling personality, single speed-daters are paired up to begin their first date. Every 5 minutes, a whistle is blown, and the women move on to meet their next date. It’s a flirt's version of musical chairs.

Proceeds from the event are to fund BNOW operations. To get more information and register to participate, e-mail bnow@inet.co.th.