Question: When is a competition not a competition?

Answer: When it's a fundraiser for The Girlfriend Factor and everyone wins.

That was the tone of a friendly little competition recently held poolside at La Quinta Resort, to select the “Big Kahuna of Cabana Boys.”

A total of 18 good-natured guys, all highly respected professionals, allowed themselves to be disrespected and flirtatiously badgered for this worthy cause that raised at least $20,000 in scholarship funds for adult women (most with children) who are struggling against all odds to complete their education.

Big Kahuna votes were sold for $5 each, and the winner was Jerry Dunn (yes, Donna's husband). Other top contributors included La Quinta Resort & PGA West president Davis Sezna, Dr. Raj Sinha, restaurateur Lee Morcus, plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sofonio, and Richard Heckmann.

Other generous contestants included Dennis Healey, Eddie Barkett, Dr. Richard Chenik, Matt Christopher, Larry Goodwin, Tom Kleine, John Martin, Creek Williams, Perry Zeigler and attorney Walter Clark.

Joan Busick and Michelle Moore co-founded The Girlfriend Factor in 2005 and, in just four short years, have distributed more than $75,000 in scholarships to women over the age of 25 living in the Coachella Valley.

Meteorologist Patrick Evans, of KPSP (CBS2) graciously declined to compete but emceed the event with Carol Horton.

A fine accompaniment to the moonlit and star-struck cabana setting was the lively Sounds of the Caribbean, Steel Drumsgroup. Sponsors of the event included Tommy Bahama, Brooks Printing, Sigma Financial, Desert Dental Care and Robert Smith of New York Life Insurance.

For more information on the Girlfriend Factor, call (760) 772-9594.

Margie Taft is a local Realtor who can be reached at (760) 408-3159, or at HTaft13520@aol.com.