White truffle auction at Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo raises nearly Y7 mil for charity

Monday 10th November, 08:13 AM JST

TOKYO —

The 10th Annual World Alba White Truffle Auction was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, on Sunday night. More than 110 people attended the event and raised nearly 7 million yen, while two other locations in Italy – Masks Hall of the Grinzane Cavour Castle in the Piedmont Region, and Merano – raised 3.6 million yen (approximately 29,000 euros) and 4.3 million yen (approximately 34,000 euros), respectively.

Each location conducted on-site auctions for five white truffles ranging in size from 196 grams to 325 grams, with the evening culminating in a simultaneous auction for the evening’s pièce de résistance – the largest truffle weighing 850 grams. For the entire fundraiser, more than 14.8 million yen (approximately 118,000 euros) was donated. In Tokyo, the money raised will benefit one local and one international charity, while the two Italian auction sites will donate their earnings to local organizations in their regions.

“The evening was not only a success in that we raised much needed funds for our worthy charities,” said Ricco DeBlank, general manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. “The fact that Tokyo was able to generate nearly ¥7 million, is a testament to the cities dedication to charitable giving and its love of culinary excellence. We are especially thrilled that the winner of our largest truffle, Mr Kazumasa Terada will be employing the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo to create a special meal to celebrate his win with his friends and family. Clearly, this truffle is a culinary gift that keeps on giving.”