SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GLIDE is pleased to announce the 16th Annual eBay Power Lunch with Warren Buffett Auction. Offered through eBay Giving Works, bidding for this year’s charity auction runs Sunday, May 31 at 7:30pm PDT to Friday, June 5 at 7:30pm PDT.
Each year, legendary investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett hosts just one charity lunch, always in support of GLIDE. Over the past 16 years, Buffett’s sustained commitment -- and the giving spirit of the winning bidders -- have helped raised nearly $18 million to support GLIDE’s unwavering mission to help San Francisco’s residents in need.
The bidding starts at $25,000 and all bidders must pre-qualify prior to bidding at ebay.com/glide. The winning bidder will have the opportunity to bring seven friends to join him or her and Mr. Buffett for lunch at Smith & Wollensky in New York City. Over the past 15 years, the winning bids have ranged from $25,000 to $3,456,789, with the funds going directly to support GLIDE’s programs, which help people overcome hunger, poverty, homelessness and more. Last year’s auction brought in $2,166,766.
“GLIDE helped me understand just how much a life can be transformed by unconditional love and some real material help,” said Buffett. “Nobody who’s donated to GLIDE has ever felt shortchanged. They always get their money’s worth.”
“This auction has empowered and inspired so many people,” said GLIDE’s Co-Founder Reverend Cecil Williams. “Mr. Buffett has extended GLIDE’s legacy of unconditional love and acceptance. Offering this luncheon is different. It’s creative. It’s innovative. It’s a unique way to inspire others to see how they can give and connect with the humanity that is perhaps invisible to them.”
“We are profoundly moved by the generosity of all the bidders and Warren Buffett’s commitment to our neighborhood and community,” said Janice Mirikitani, GLIDE Co-Founder. “Mr. Buffett inspires others who have the means to help bridge the divide between the haves and have-nots and every person who is involved is a pillar to that bridge.”
“eBay is committed to building a future that enables and inspires charitable giving at scale, and is grounded in what the company does best – technology enabled commerce,” said eBay’s vice president of Global Communications and Social Innovation, Claire Dixon. “Last year alone, we helped charities raise $91.6 million - eBay is a proud supporter and partner to GLIDE as we assist in its mission of helping San Francisco residents in need.”
This year’s auction offers bidders an opportunity to leave a legacy of generosity and make a powerful investment for good by sharing a meal and conversation with the world’s most renowned investor.
For more information about the Auction, contact GLIDE at 415.674.6001, Buffett@Glide.org, or visit ebay.com/glide. For information about GLIDE, visit www.Glide.org.