RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Today's last word in business: Golden Ticket.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "I'VE GOT A GOLDEN TICKET")
UNIDENTIFIED MAN AND BOY: (Grandpa Joe and Charlie) (Singing) 'Cause I've got a golden ticket. I've got a golden chance to make my way. And with a golden ticket, it's a golden day.
DAVID GREENE, HOST:
Ah yes, Charlie and Grandpa Joe singing after they get the golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. And today, Willy Wonka might just be the Oracle from Omaha.
MONTAGNE: As in Warren Buffett, who is auctioning off a tour of See's Candy factory in Southern California, with the golden ticked going to the highest bidder. The proceeds will benefit a nonprofit for Los Angeles schools. Buffett has promised to be there personally to offer tips to the winner - on how to eat a bon-bon properly.
GREENE: Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has owned Sees Candy since the early 1970s. So far, bids have surpassed $35,000.
MONTAGNE: And chances are that number will go much higher. Warren Buffett auctions off a personal lunch every year - which usually goes for more than $1 million. The sweet draw of the candy tour is that it's all you can eat.
GREENE: And that sounds like something Augustus Gloop might enjoy. You just hope there aren't any of those chocolate pipes to get stuck in.
That's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm David Greene.
MONTAGNE: And I'm Renee Montagne. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.