(OMAHA, Neb.) Jan. 13, 2015 – No one can fill Warren Buffett’s shoes, but one lucky bidder will be able to drive his car. The world-renowned investor and philanthropist has not only donated his 2006 Cadillac DTS to be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting Girls Incorporated of Omaha (Girls Inc.), but he has also autographed the Cadillac and will personally hand over the keys to the new owner if they are willing to come to Omaha. The vehicle will be up for auction on Proxibid, the most trusted online Marketplace for buying and selling highly valued items, in a timed event taking place Wednesday, Feb. 11 through Thursday, Feb. 19.
Although the Kelley Blue Book value of Buffett’s vehicle is approximately $12,000, with the addition of Buffett’s autograph within the vehicle the auction is expected to bring in considerably more. In 2006, Buffett auctioned his 2001 Lincoln Town Car to support Girls Inc. and the vehicle sold for over $70,000, more than triple its Blue Book value. In addition to the Lincoln Town Car auction in 2006, Buffett donated his 20-something-year-old wallet—containing a stock tip—in 1999, bringing in more than $200,000 to Girls Inc. In 2008, performance artist Michael Israel painted a portrait of Buffett before the 2008 annual meeting of Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., netting a $100,000 donation.
“The Buffett family has been a wonderful supporter of Girls, Inc. of Omaha from the very beginning,” Roberta Wilhelm, Girls Inc. of Omaha’s executive director, said. “Susan Buffett (Warren’s first wife, who died in 2004) was one of our founders, and Susie Buffett (daughter of Warren and Susan) serves on our board. Girls Inc. has benefited multiple times from auction events championed by Warren Buffett, but the Buffett family’s endorsement of Girls, Inc. and its role in the community has been invaluable.”
A capital campaign is currently underway to raise $18.5 million to underwrite the expansion of Girls Inc.’s North Center. The project is comprised of a renovation and 55,365-square-foot addition that will bring in a health clinic in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a gymnasium with locker room and showers, an exercise studio, a fitness center, a media center and a teen center. The centerpiece of the renovation is the conversion of a section of the current multipurpose room into an instructional kitchen for teaching Girls Inc. members how to prepare healthy meals. Ground was broken last May for the facility expansion and the project is slated for completion in early 2016.
“Our building project will transform our current North Center into a mission-centered, 21st century space to serve Girls Inc. members and neighborhood young people,” Wilhelm said. “This project has been developed to address urgent needs including accessible healthcare facilities and space for safe and supervised youth activities and programs.”
“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Girls Inc. and Mr. Buffett to raise funds for this important organization in our community,” said Ryan Downs, President and CEO of Proxibid. “Proxibid is committed to connecting buyers with unique items, like Mr. Buffett’s Cadillac. Buyers from across the globe can log on and participate in this auction, and help to contribute to the success of Girls Inc.”
About Girls Inc.
Girls Incorporated of Omaha is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold.” Girls Inc. provides educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for girls ages 5 to 18. Girls Inc. of Omaha is a national affiliate of Girls Incorporated and was recognized with its national biennial “Excellence in Action” in 2010. For more information about Girls Inc., please visit www.girlsincomaha.org.
About Proxibid
Proxibid provides asset owners of all sizes and buyers with access to the world’s most trusted online Marketplace and selling solutions for excess inventory. More than $3 billion in inventory passes through Proxibid’s Marketplace annually in product categories that include heavy equipment; commercial and industrial equipment; real estate; fine art, antiques and collectibles and more.
Founded in 2001, Proxibid is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with offices in New York and London. For more information about Proxibid, please visit www.proxibid.com.
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