Bidding has started briskly for a steak lunch with billionaire infvestor Warren Buffett.
The auction, which raised a record $US2.11 million ($NZ3.35 million) last year started with a bid of $50,200 yesterday. As in recent years, the winner and up to seven friends may dine with the world's second-richest person at the Smith & Wollensky steak house, in New York.
Before the auction started there were concerns that the recession might keep bidding low this year. However, BiddingForGood.com chief executive Jonathan Carson said that in the case of Mr Buffett, the competitive biddinig was likely to continue.
"It is unlikely, though, that any bidder will mortgage his future for the sake of a lunch."
The auction benefits the Glide Foundation, a non profit in San Francisco's Tenderloin district that offers housing, job training, health and child care, and meals for the poor.
