FILE - In this May 1, 2010 file photo, Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett gives an interview prior to participating in the annual shareholders meeting, in Omaha, Neb. Two bidders have already driven up the price of a private lunch with billionaire Warren Buffett to over $1.5 million Monday, June 6, 2011, and the online charity auction runs all week.(AP Photo/Nati Harnik, file)
Billionaire Warren Buffett plans to hold a Sept. 30 fundraiser in New York City to benefit President Barack Obama’s re-election bid, according to two Democratic officials not authorized to speak publicly about the event.
The fundraiser, reported earlier by the New York Post, will also feature former Obama economic adviser Austan Goolsbee.
Obama, who is preparing for a post-Labor Day speech about his plans for stimulating the economy, spoke with Buffett Aug. 22 by phone from his vacation on Martha’s Vineyard as he works to gather ideas on how to boost job creation and spur growth.
Full story: Buffett to Host Obama Fundraiser in New York – Bloomberg.
The Secret Meeting of Billionaires (2009)
The meeting being referred to was a secret meeting where, “A dozen of the richest people in the world met for an unprecedented private gathering at the invitation of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to talk about giving away money,” held at Rockefeller University, and included notable philanthropists such as Gates, Buffett, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, George Soros, Eli Broad, Oprah Winfrey, David Rockefeller Sr. and Ted Turner. One attendee stated that, “It wasn’t secret,” but that, “It was meant to be a gathering among friends and colleagues. It was something folks have been discussing for a long time. Bill and Warren hoped to do this occasionally. They sent out an invite and people came.” Chronicle of Philanthropy editor Stacy Palmer said, “Given how serious these economic times are, I don't think it's surprising these philanthropists came together,” and that, “They don't typically get together and ask each other for advice.” The three hosts of the meeting were Buffet, Gates and David Rockefeller.[5] [See: Appendix 2: Bilderberg Connections to the Billionaire’s Meeting].
