GLIDE is thrilled to announce the 2024 Power of One Charity Lunch Auction will be hosted by Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff! Since 2000, this event has raised over $50 million to support GLIDE’s transformational programs that lift people out of poverty and advance equity through systems change.
“I’m incredibly humbled to continue Warren’s legacy by supporting the Power of One Charity Lunch Auction, and I’m so grateful for the passion of Susie and the leadership of Warren and Reverend Cecil Williams, ” said Marc Benioff. “We’re thrilled to work with GLIDE, building on their great work to support the amazing city of San Francisco.”
Bidding for this year’s Power of One Charity Lunch Auction will be powered by longtime auction partner eBay and will open on Sunday, May 5 at 7:30 pm PDT and close on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 pm PDT. The winning bidder will enjoy a memorable lunch for eight with Benioff.
Bidding starts at $25,000, and all bidders must be pre-qualified before the start of the event. To pre-qualify, visit eBay.com/GLIDE.
Press and media coverage in advance of the auction can be viewed here.
“We are so grateful that Marc Benioff is continuing Warren Buffett’s legacy of supporting San Francisco’s most vulnerable,” said Dr. Gina M. Fromer, GLIDE President and CEO. “Warren Buffett’s vision, generosity, and friendship over the last two decades has enabled GLIDE to directly improve the lives of thousands daily. This legacy is in excellent hands with Marc, who has long been an outspoken champion for equality and justice in the Bay Area and worldwide.”
Power of One Auction Lunch History
GLIDE’s Power of One Lunch Auction has a storied tradition dating back to 2000, when Warren Buffett auctioned off an annual power lunch experience for the winning bidder and up to seven friends at New York City’s Smith & Wollensky steakhouse, initially raising $25,000 with 100% of the auction proceeds benefit GLIDE.
The auction idea was created by Mr. Buffett’s late wife, Susie Buffett, who was an active member of Glide Memorial Church and volunteered in the meals and holiday programs. She was a dear friend to GLIDE co-founders Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani.
GLIDE co-founders Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani receiving a hug from businessman and philanthropist Warren Buffett
The auction originated as a live auction. Per Mr. Buffett’s suggestion, the auction moved online to eBay in 2003 and the winning bid went from $25,000 to $250,000 on the platform. Highest winning bid is $19,000,100 (2022). Most notable winner is Richard ‘Ted’ Weschler (2010, 2011) who originally asked to remain anonymous, then eventually joined Mr. Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. in 2011 where his participation in the auction was revealed.
In 2003 and at Warren Buffet’s suggestion, the auction moved to eBay and since then has raised more than $34 million to support GLIDE with 100% of proceeds going to support GLIDE’s transformative programs that lift people out of poverty, hunger, and homelessness, and advance equity through systems change.
“The baton is in the right hands with Marc Benioff,” said Warren Buffett. “He’s going to do a wonderful job improving on what I did over the years. With Marc’s enthusiasm and commitment, along with the GLIDE’s leadership and volunteers, GLIDE will be able to continue providing its vital services for San Francisco.”