Photo Credit: Splash News

Have you ever dreamed what a one-on-one date with Ian Somerhalder would be like? Well, it’s time to take those wishful thoughts and turn them into a reality because the Vampire Diaries actor is auctioning off a lunch date with his hot self for the sake of trees, natural habitats, and animals everywhere!

In order to raise money to open up an animal sanctuary through his charity, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF), Ian is promising one very lucky fan the chance to indulge in meaningful conversation and laughs over a delicious noon meal. The actor explained to EW why this cause was especially dear to his heart:

“A big component of ISF is not just habitat or species conservation, it’s animal protection and youth education,” he explains. “There are too many animals that are abused, mistreated, and abandoned. They’ve been 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 wisely adds, ““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.”

To all potential bidders, Ian has a message for you: “Honestly, all I can say is thank you. I appreciate you and your generosity… I will try not to bore you to tears.”

The actor who brings Damon Salvatore to life…boring? We can think of plenty of other adjectives to capture his generosity, open-mindedness and vivacity — not to mention those gorgeous eyes of his — but dull and stale? Never!

So now we want to know — what would you do for some one-on-one time with Ian Somerhalder?

*The auction will remain open from now until July 18, 2012 but waste no time because an opportunity to lunch with such a giving and mesmerizing man doesn’t come around often enough — submit your bid for Ian today!