It’s costing Stefano Panzarasa $500 to shed his clothes, but he believes it’s worth it. Panzarasa posted the winning bid on eBay® and will now take it all off for the final position on the Privateer Days 2009 Calendar. In addition to the Nova Scotia entrepreneur, twelve other prominent males will be seen in “slightly naughty but always nice” poses on the fund-raising calendar.

The calendar is the kind of fund-raiser that attracts Panzarasa. He says when he and his wife first read a news story about the calendar and the eBay auction “. . . both commented on what a great outside the box idea to raise money for a community event.” He adds, “The concept to raise money or market through an unconventional medium excites me.”

Panzarasa’s wife, Erin, and his three teenage children are very supportive. He actually found out about the auction from his wife. “She thought it would be a cool thing to do. So after discussing it with my family I decided to bid,” he says.

The 43-year old Panzarasa owns a number of businesses, most prominently BATH FITTER® which services every community in Nova Scotia. The firm specializes in bathroom renovations, and is the home of acrylic tub liners, custom formed acrylic wall systems and tub to shower conversions.

“When we decided to open the bidding for one of the model positions, we weren’t sure what we’d get,” says Beth George of the Privateer Days organizing committee. “We’re ecstatic with the results! Stefano will make a worthy addition to our calendar model lineup,” she adds. Panzarasa is no stranger to modeling. Both he and his wife are interested in art and he has posed several times for artists and art groups. Says George, “This is really a great fit.”

The other models will be revealed, and the calendar will be made available for sale, at a special event on July 2nd at the Astor Theatre in Liverpool. Tickets for the Reveal Party will be available through the Privateer Days Commission and at the theatre.

Privateer Days (www.privateerdays.com) is an annual celebration of the privateering era of the late 18th century in Queen’s County, centering on the Town of Liverpool. The event highlights the history and culture of the area through music, theatre, guided tours and historical re-enactment. This year’s Privateer Days are being held July 3 through 6.