America’s 2nd richest man is apparently dividing up a big chunk of his 32 billion dollar fortune between 5 charities. Along with dishing out the cash, he’s unloading auctioning his personal ride on e-bay, with proceeds going to Girls Inc.

Now I know that Buffett has done an unbelievable job building a fortune and has built a reputation as a penny pincher, but there has to be something wrong with a billionaire whose personal ride is an 01 Lincoln. Talk about lame, it even comes with snow tires! To ensure that bidders spend a few hun more than a regular auto trader purchase, Buffett’s personalized plate comes with the car. The high bidder can claim to be THRIFTY after spending too much money for a crappy used up car, that is sure to lose value right off the block. It’s a good thing the money is going to a great cause.

Press release after the break

License To Give: Billionaire Warren Buffett’s Collectible Lincoln Town Car To Be Auctioned on eBay to Benefit Girls Inc.

Billionaire Investor Putting Philanthropic ‘Pedal to the Metal’ to Help Fund Programs that Inspire and Empower Girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold (SM)

NEW YORK, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Warren Buffett’s philanthropic efforts recently made headlines when he pledged to donate the bulk of his fortune, nearly 32 billion dollars, to five foundations. In addition to this generous gift, Mr. Buffett is divesting himself of his 2001 Lincoln Town Car to benefit Girls Incorporated (Girls Inc.), the premier youth-service organization that reaches millions of girls, ages 6 to 18, throughout the U.S. and Canada. Mr. Buffett’s personal automobile, including his personalized “THRIFTY” license plate, will be offered at auction on eBay, Sept. 12 – 22, 2006. Girls Inc. will use funds generated from the sale to support and enhance its array of educational programs across several disciplines, including science, math and technology, sports, economic and media literacy, safety, and community action.
Often referred to as “The Sage of Omaha,” thanks to his savvy investing and no-nonsense business philosophy, Mr. Buffett has long relied on his signature money-management style when it comes to building social capital.
“Girls Inc. gives young women the chance to achieve their potential by teaching them to invest in their most important asset — their life,” says Mr. Buffett. “Money might determine who gets what opportunities, but as the years go by, you measure your personal bank account by who loves you, how they love you, and whether the world is a better place because you were born.”
Mr. Buffett’s four-door, 2001 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series registers fewer than 14,000 miles and features a light parchment gold exterior, light beige interior, and leather seats. In addition to receiving the car’s highly collectible “THRIFTY” license plate, the winning bidder also will be given an etched brass plaque bearing Mr. Buffett’s signature, which can be placed in the car’s interior.
“Everyone respects Warren Buffett’s business acumen and his goodwill toward those in need deserve the same accolades,” said Joyce Roche, president and CEO of Girls Inc. “At Girls Inc., we provide girls with tools and skills to improve their lives, and this wonderful, collectible car allows people to share in the Buffett magic, follow in his generous footsteps, and invest in the next generation of leaders.”

Key Features of Warren Buffett's 2001 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series:
* Anti-Lock Brakes
* Dual Front Air Bags
* Heated Seats
* Power Locks, Windows & Seats
* Radio Control on Steering Wheel
* Snow Tires
* Built-in Garage Door Opener
* Programmable Driver's Seat
* Keyless Entry

All bidders must be pre-qualified by Kompolt, a leading auction-management company. For more information, please visit http://www.ebay.com/girlsinc.
ABOUT GIRLS INCORPORATED
Girls Incorporated(R) is a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold(SM). With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. In 2005, Girls Inc. reached nearly 800,000 girls through Girls Inc. affiliates, its website (http://www.girlsinc.org/), and educational publications.
Source: Girls Inc.

CONTACT: Taiia Smart Young of Girls Inc., +1-212-509-2000 ext. 229, or
Tsyoung@girls-inc.org
Web site: http://www.ebay.com/girlsinc
http://www.girlsinc.org/

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