Hedge fund guru Raymond T. Dalio has put himself up for auction to benefit the New York-based Council for Economic Education, which provides essential financial and economic education for high school students across the U.S. as well as for students as young as kindergarten.
Mr. Dalio founded Westport, Conn.-based Bridgewater Associates LP, the industry's largest hedge fund manager, in 1975 and ceded control of the firm effective Sept. 30, 2022. At the time, he was co-chief investment officer and the firm's assets were $150 billion.
The CEE is accepting bids for a private "Lunch with Ray" in New York City for the successful bidder and up to two guests, a news release said.
Mr. Dalio, who was not available for comment, said in the CEE release that he and the organization "share the goal of helping people understand how money and economics work. I believe these skills are fundamental to people's well-being and are often neglected."
Auction bids can be placed online through April 28. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter. April is Financial Literacy Month.
All funds raised through the online auction will "help ensure every student in America is taught essential financial and economic basics in high school," the release said.
"When kids have access to financial and economic education, they have a better shot at achieving financial stability and economic mobility," said Nan J. Morrison, CEE's president and CEO, in an interview.
In addition to the auction, the CEE also is celebrating Financial Literacy Month by providing free professional development for teachers working with its national affiliates to "proclaim FLM in every state" as well as holding its annual Visionary Awards presentation on April 26 honoring leaders involved in promoting economic and financial literacy, the release said.
