Lunch with Buffett: $25,000 Opening Bid

Beginning June 24, 2007, and until June 29, you can bid on eBay for lunch with Warren Buffett. This auction has historically brought in bids that rival eBay records for the highest bids on a charity auction. Just last year, the lunch auction was the second-highest charity auction ever on eBay. Remember the motorcycle that Jay Leno had his guests sign? That was the most expensive charity auction ever, according to an AP article.

This year, the bidding for lunch with Buffett starts at $25,000. Of course, Mr. Buffett does not need the money for himself, so he will be donating all of the money to charity, as the auction site explains:

100% of proceeds from the winning bid will benefit the Glide Foundation, one of the most comprehensive service providers working with the poor and homeless in San Francisco. Mr. Buffett will sit down with the highest bidder and up to seven friends for lunch in New York. A mutually agreed upon date and time will be selected by Mr. Buffett and the winning bidder. All bidders must pre-qualify.

I thought it was interesting that Mr. Buffett was willing to set a "mutually agreed upon date and time." After all, he's the second-richest person, but he's willing to work with somebody else's schedule.

The auction site also explains the works of the Glide Foundation:

Each year, Glide helps thousands of men, women, and children confront and overcome the effects of poverty and homelessness through services that emphasize unconditional love, healing, personal empowerment and self-affirmation. Glide provides comprehensive human services to more than 2,000 individuals everyday in a “one-stop-shop.”

The services of this "one-stop-shop" include free meals, job training, addiction recovery, and mental health care.

I think it's great that Warren takes his own personal time to give back rather than just throwing money. He will no doubt be remembered for his remarkable works of philanthropy.