Green

$2 Million Raised at Green Auction

Earth Day’s 40th anniversary saw the Christie’s salesroom sporting a green carpet instead of the traditional red carpet, packed with celebrities, art collectors and environmentalists. The ‘Green Auction’ was an interesting one, and raked in a massive $2 million; with all proceeds going to an environmental charity.

Some of the items on auction included a Girard-Perragaux white gold and diamond encrusted watch, a Damien Hirst painting, a chance to play a game of golf with Bill Clinton and 18 other items. Stars like Chevy Chase and Salma Hayek were among the spirited bidders, while some preferred to remain anonymous. Chase was also the emcee at the auction.

The live auction was part of a collective event named ‘A Bid to Save the Earth’ which also included an online auction and other fund-raising activities. The proceeds from all these events will be split amongst environmental organizations such as Central Park Conservancy, Natural Resources Defence Council, Conservation International and Oceana.

A Central Park tour and lunch with actress Candice Bergen was one of the items up for auction while a six-person trip to Botswana, which would be guided by Nat Geo’s Chief Editor, reached $150,000. The golf date with Clinton was won for a $80,000.

Other celebrities at the Green Auction included Ted Danson, Sam Waterston, Matt Lauer and Brian Williams.

The online silent auction racked up around $500,000 with Christie’s saying it could top the $1 million mark when it closes on May 6th.