IAN SOMERHALDER is now auctioning himself off for charity, star news has learned.

Check books at the ready, ladies!

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Ian Somerhalder cares for animals so bad that he’s willing to escape from co-star and girlfriend Nina Dobrev‘s hands and sell himself—for a lunch date in Atlanta, at least.

The “Vampire Diaries” star wishes to benefit his own charity, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which is currently trying to build an animal sanctuary. He explained his motives behind the fund-raising effort that runs until July 18 to Entertainment Weekly:

“There are too many animals that are abused, mistreated, and abandoned. They’ve be en ostracized, they have behavioral issues, and they’re starving. It’s just unbelievable what we’ve done to the animals, and I think that’s why this is so important.”

He continued:

“If we can give animals a home, we can also take the youth of our country and our world — kids who have behavioral issues, bullying other kids, and halting the progression of those around them — and bring them together to learn compassion from one another. If you have compassion for an animal, then you’ll ultimately have compassion for another human being.”

Ian said resolutely:

“I’m so tired of the lack of compassion in our world and watching kids grow up in it. I think it’s an amazing opportunity for us to show that having compassion for one another — and all furry, scaled, or feathered creatures — is the only way we can progress.”

As for what to expect from the lunch date auction, which doesn’t include travel and accommodations, Ian promises:

“I will try not to bore you to tears.”

Trust us Ian, just staring at you during the private one-on-one—while contributing to animal welfare on the side—already makes it well worth it!

The question is, how bad do you want it? Because the current bid is at $5,250!

If you do want a chance to date Ian Somerhalder and help our animal friends, go to CHARITYBUZZ.

How much will you be willing to pay for date with Ian?

Photo By PR Photos

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