A dating event for the poors

It pays to be a cheap date.

If “Millionaire Matchmaker” is a bit out of your league, head to Union Hall tonight for “Hundredaire Matchmaker,” a singles event where you can meet, greet and get set up with other broke people.

Here’s how it works: two male contestants, with literally hundreds of dollars in their bank accounts, will be introduced to female contestants who are OK with settling. They’ll go on mini-dates with each woman, eventually narrowing it down to one person to date more formally.

The contestants will be chosen before the show, but audience members have the chance to get involved in the festivities through games such as “truth or dare-aoke.” Plus, there’s guaranteed to be other poor, single people with whom to share a PBR.

“Once a room full of single people gets drunk, anything can happen,” said Liam McEneaney, who is hosting the show with fellow comedian Myka Fox. “Alcohol and loneliness are the perfect combination.

“The point is for everyone in the room to have a good time, and hopefully meet someone. Even if they don’t meet ‘the one,’ it might be the one they go home with,” added McEneaney. “It’s ‘Hundredaire Matchmaker.’ We’re asking everyone to set their sights a little bit lower.” 

“Hundredaire Matchmaker” at Union Hall [702 Union St. near Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, (718) 638-4400], Jan. 10 at 8 pm. $5. For info, visit www.unionhallny.com.

Photo by Maryanne Ventrice.

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Labor Day Fun, Part IV: Find the love of your life

By Meredith Deliso

It may be too late for that summer romance, but it’s never too late to find love.

Jin Moon (pictured) likes people who are passionate about their interests — and each other — hence her I Heart Nerds Speed Dating events at Union Hall. But these aren’t your stereotypical pocket protector-wearing, suspender sporting, Steve Urkel nerds.

“I think the term ‘nerd’ has taken a modern spin and become a more generic term without the old social stigma attached to it,” said Moon. “It’s now cool to be a nerd. In the era of “Glee,” being a nerd just means being passionate about your hobbies and about life.”

Her next nerd congregation is Sept. 5 at the Park Slope bar in a special Labor Day of Love installment.

“Labor Day represents the beginning of autumn to me,” said Moon. “It’s my favorite season of the year, and I think it’s the perfect season to find love — in preparation for finding a winter snuggle buddy!”

Here’s how it works: During the speed round, the ladies stay in place while the guys rotate seats. Each date lasts the length of a four-minute love song, and there are enough songs playing so that all available singles have a date. The risk of in-person rejection is pretty minimal — after each date, participants write down the tag number of the person they would like to get in touch with. If people pick each other, it is considered a “match,” and they will be e-mailed each other’s e-mail addresses. The rest is up to you.

“It’s the perfect way to get back into the dating scene,” said Moon. “It’s a really amazing crowd of people who participate. They all seem so open and ready to fall in love.”

Pun probably intended.

I Heart Nerds Speed Dating at Union Hall [702 Union St. near Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, (718) 638-4400], Sept. 5 at 7 pm. Tickets $10.

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