Dressed in the perkiest of July Fourth costumes, party host Tami Ernst found herself in the middle of a bidding war. Who would pay the most for a dinner date with the Kewpie Doll cute young blonde?

It all began in Cypress, Texas, with a holiday-themed party benefiting Houston Children's Charity, hosted by Tami at the Villa Robles Estate of John and Donna Speer (her mom). Close to 125 guests showed up to party, rollick in the pool and careen down the inflatable Slip 'n Slide.

By the time the donations, a 50-percent matching check from Hank Speck and the auction proceeds were counted, the little party out Hwy. 290 had raised a commendable $15,546 — $6,500 of which came from auctioning off Tami for a dinner date.

It was Toan Nguyen's idea. He would pay for dinner for two — Tami and the highest bidder — at any restaurant in the country. "It was a terribly fun and embarrassing experience," Tami e-mailed. "Two gentlemen were going head to head when John Speer suggested that they each win a date." So Richard Gysler ponied up $3,200 and Brad Wolverton parted with $3,300 for the privilege.

Beyond that unplanned excitement, the party featured fireworks, a completely home-cooked buffet spread and a red-white-and-blue costume competition. Taking top honors for their patriotic attire were Alexandra Forney and Robert "Uncle Sam" Ernst, brother of the hostess.

Taking bows for their contributions — totally underwriting the party — were the Speers, Phil Trinder and Kris Cogliano, and Momentum BMW West.