A buffet with Warren?
There are just two days and ten hours to go if you and your friends would like to have lunch with the Oracle of Omaha. Warren Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the richest men in the world, is auctioning lunch with himself on eBay in aid of charity.
At the time of writing the bid stands at $77,100 (£39,206.17) for the bidder and seven friends to enjoy a bite and banter with Mr Buffett at the Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse in New York. But as anyone who has any experience of eBay will be able to tell you the serious bidding will happen on Saturday in the last few moments of the auction.
This is the sixth year Mr Buffett has auctioned lunch with himself for the Glide Foundation charity. Last year the successful bidder and friends forked out $650,100 for steak and shares advice with the 77-year-old billionaire.
It will be interesting to know whether in these cash-strapped times this year's auction will raise a similar amount. In 2006 the lunch raised $620,100 but in 2005 it was a mere $315,100 (which wouldn't even buy three shares in Berkshire Hathaway at today's prices).
But if you are interested in meeting Mr Big then take note: the auction closes at 7pm on Friday (PDT) which is 3am on Saturday here in the UK (European readers should bear in mind that 'free shipping' probably doesn't mean Mr Buffett will fly you over in his private jet...probably).
Update 3.30 pm June 27 - After 44 bids the offer stands at $255,500
Update 8.30 am June 28 - There were 71 bids in by the close of the auction. The winner, greenteabug, offered $2,110,100. Gracious.
The people who can afford to have lunch with Warren Buffet will be little affected by the economic climate. Its good to raise for charity though.
http://ferozi.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ms Ferozi | 25 Jun 2008 19:22:28
I won't be bidding. Who wants to be snacking on chicken drumsticks, sausage rolls and coleslaw, then standing around trying to balance a wine glass on one's plate?
Posted by: Ciaran Byrne | 27 Jun 2008 14:30:28
I'd pay nothing. Mr Buffett can learn from me about all the things he admits he doesn't understand - technology, science etc etc. I'll listen respectfully to his insights into 'traditional stocks'.
We'll agree on one thing: Wall Street is the land of speculators hiding naked investors devoid of clothes.........
Posted by: Rhys Jaggar | 27 Jun 2008 19:45:13
If I were to dine with him he would jolly well have to pick up the bill!
Posted by: Richard Tracey | 3 Jul 2008 11:42:03
It's all hyped up, really. Warren had a good run and so have many others. I rather have a meal with with my cat and save my money for better things.
Posted by: davek001 | 5 Jul 2008 17:20:58
As a UK based charity specialising in cancer and neurological care, Sue Ryder Care can't afford to accept e-bay's offer to entertain Mr Buffet. However we would like to invite him to lunch or dinner for ideas and advice. I can be contacted at our central office in London, WC1B 5AA. With thanks Rodger Holden
Posted by: Rodgerholden | 9 Jul 2008 15:44:52
the question is not how much I'd pay to dine with Warren Buffet- the question is how much would HE pay to dine with ME!
Posted by: sarah stücken, m.a. | 10 Jul 2008 09:23:45
For all the negatives, he is raising money for charity, and the people who wouldnt is because they dont have the money, if your in the industry, its an investment, that will bring alot more
Posted by: ks | 12 Jul 2008 23:45:13