Warren Buffett matches $1.3 million raised for homeless charity at Berkshire auction

On May 8, 2025, a significant auction of signed books was held during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. This event was aimed at supporting the Stephen Center, a local shelter that provides housing and addiction recovery programs for the homeless community in Omaha. Warren Buffett, the legendary CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, contributed by pledging to match every dollar raised during the auction, which resulted in over $1.3 million being collected for the charity. The auction featured 18 copies of a book signed by Buffett and author Carrie Sova, which attracted numerous bidders eager to obtain memorabilia from the iconic investor. The auction was a part of a larger effort led by the Stephen Center to address the increasing homelessness in the area, particularly among families, children, and senior citizens. This uptick in homelessness has been reported as nearly a 10% increase from the previous year. The event saw intense participation from shareholders, with bids for some signed books reaching as high as $60,000. In total, more than 50 bids were submitted. Additionally, Buffett's benefactor role extended beyond the auction as he encouraged further direct donations to the charity, resulting in over $45,000 collected outside the auction process. This initiative exemplifies Buffett’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy, as he has pledged to donate 99% of his personal fortune to charitable causes. The annual Berkshire meeting not only served as a platform for business discussions but also reinforced the importance of community support and philanthropy, with Buffett consistently urging others to contribute to good causes whenever possible.