In February of 2005, Melissa Heuschkel of Connecticut was pregnant with her fourth* child and [f]rustrated by her inability to come up with a name that she felt would be inspiring and different.” So she put the name of her unborn baby up for auction on eBay.
Online casino GoldenPalace.com won the auction “in the final few hours of bidding” with an offer of $15,100.
When Melissa’s baby girl was born on April 27, she was named Golden Palace, nickname “Goldie.”
If a stranger offered you double that — $30,000 — for the right to name your next child, what would you say? Remember, this person would have free rein. You’d never have to use the name, but it must appear on the birth certificate.
If you’d say yes, why? (And, what would you do with the money?) If you’d say no, why not? (And, would you change your mind if the amount were higher?)
*Melissa’s three older children are named Beth, James, and Katarina.
Sources:
- “Golden Palace Benedetto.” Day [New London] 30 Apr. 2005: B5.
- “Baby’s Golden Touch.” Mirror Online 5 Jun. 2010.
- Strauss, Karsten. “Name sale cash coming in handy.” Register Citizen 4 May 2005.
Image: GoldenPalace.com
