Abel Lima, Jr., America's Gay Bachelor 2008

Mr. Oregon, Tim Bias, Runner Up!

Abel Lima, a Rhode Island native who currently resides in San Francisco, CA, was named the winner of myPartner.com's America's Gay Bachelor 2008 contest tonight during a sold-out, star-studded finale event at Beach at W San Diego during San Diego's Gay Pride Week.

The five contestants were evaluated by a panel of celebrity judges including David Bromstad, who was the inaugural winner of HGTV Design Star in 2007 and is now hosting his own HGTV design show "Color Splash", Jesse Brune from the hot Bravo show "Work Out", and Patrick H. Perrine, the Founder and CEO of myPartner.com.

In a split decision, the judges chose Lima as the winner based on the categories "mind", "body" and "soul". Tim Bias, the bachelor representing the state of Oregon, came in as a close second. "There's no question that each of the contestants in this year's America's Gay Bachelor contest is a great catch", said Perrine. "We're thrilled to have Abel as our winner, and Tim as our runner-up. They're both living proof that there are great guys out there, just looking for their perfect partner."

Lima and Bias, Mr. Rhode Island and Mr. Oregon respectively, were two of five finalists chosen by more than 35,000 online voters at myPartner.com after a nationwide search. The other finalists represented Montana, Ohio and Utah.

"My friend nominated me to be America's Next Gay Bachelor, but I never expected to win", said Lima. "I hope this makes people realize that we're looking for real, long term relationships too". Because the judges' decision was so closely split between Lima and Bias, both bachelors will become public spokesmen for myPartner.com and will have a chance to be featured in a national publication. As the winner of the contest, Lima will also receive a romantic get-a-way trip for two at the W San Diego and a $25,000 Private Matchmaking Package from myPartner.com.