Marie Claire

Buffett's spread is food for thought

July 2 - 8, 2008
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In a truism that you have to be a millionaire to be a billionaire, a Chinese fund manager has forked out $2.1 million in an eBay auction for a steak lunch for himself and seven of his friends with billionaire Warren Buffett.

That's three times what it went for last year and $2,075,000 more than the first auction eight years ago.

The money raised will go to the Glide Foundation which helps the homeless and needy in San Francisco and the amount has gone a long way toward its $12 million annual budget.

"It almost feels like a miracle," said Glide's founder, Rev Cecil Williams. "We are amazed and ready to continue our work of breaking the cycles of poverty."

Wow! $2.1 million for eight steaks and a bit of conversation. I suppose for some it would be well worth the investment as getting a few tips on how to make money from the likes of Warren Buffett could well result in making much more in the long run.

And, if you have that much money to give away to charity then you may as well get something more than the satisfaction of giving out of it ... just as long as you're not stuck with the food bill at the end of it!

Ironic really that Zhao Danyang - who made the successful lunch bid - is quoted on the website for his Pureheart fund as saying: "We do not invest rashly. We value patience and aim for an ideal price".

It got me to thinking, if I had that much money to give away, who would I want to have lunch with?

There as so many fascinating people out there who would have some seriously enlightening words of wisdom but I think after all is said and done I'd stay closer to home and take my girlie girl Mariam for a 'happy-you're-awake-again' slap up meal.







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