Christie’s International, the world’s leading art business, is pleased to announce the third annual Green Auction: BID to Save the Earth, to be hosted by Christie’s at Rockefeller Center on April 11, 2012, just two weeks before Earth Day. A world-class companion auction powered by charitybuzz.com has launched in support of the event.
The Green Auction is a borderless collaboration of individuals, organizations, and businesses who are engaged, in spirit and action, in the protection and conservation of the environment. Initiated in 2010 by Christie’s, the star-studded affair is expected to raise significant proceeds for four of the world’s leading environmental nonprofits – Oceana, Conservation International (CI), Central Park Conservancy (CPC), and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) – specifically to benefit water-conservation projects central to each organization.
Among the items and experiences going under the hammer in the online auction are the chance to spend a day with Bill Clinton, tickets to the Tribeca Ball honoring Robert De Niro, the opportunity to learn the ropes of fashion modeling with Coco Rocha, surfing lessons from Laird Hamilton, tickets to the world premiere of Men In Black III, volleyball training with Gabby Reece, five bespoke Stella McCartney bags, a meet-and-greets with James Taylor and Alison Krauss, dinner with Adrian Grenier, a guitar signed by Pearl Jam, the chance to see Lady Antebellum and meet them backstage, the chance to attend Conservation International’s star-studded 25th Anniversary Gala, a True Blood script signed by Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer, tickets to the sold out Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at the Verizon Center in DC, the chance to meet Michael Franti, the opportunity to have Cameron Diaz record your voicemail message, and much more. The auction can be accessed here
“Christie’s is delighted to again host the Green Auction: BID to Save the Earth – fulfilling our commitment to help raise crucial funds and awareness for the preservation of our planet’s precious resources,” said Steven P. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s International. “By partnering with four globally renowned and respected not-for-profits, we are honored to help serve as a catalyst in such an endearing effort.”
The 2012 Green Auction, generously supported by JW Marriott, will be co-chaired by Graydon and Anna Carter, James R. Hedges IV, François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek, and David and Susan Rockefeller, with a live musical performance by Grace Potter of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and overall support from a host committee comprised of New York’s most influential environmentalists, celebrities and philanthropists. Following an exclusive cocktail reception presented by Grey Goose Vodka, the live auction will offer attendees the opportunity to purchase rare, one- of-a-kind fantasy lots.
“We must all take responsibility to protect the natural world for future generations,” said co-chair Susan Rockefeller. “Everyone can help support Christie’s Green Auction, which delivers a global message about the relevance and necessity to take action and participate in conserving the planet’s precious and finite resources.”
The choice to focus this year’s theme on water stemmed from each organization’s notion that water is the source of life, and there are simple methods anyone can follow to play a part in preserving it. The goal of the Green Auction is toraise awareness and funds for the large-scale earth-saving initiatives programmed by each non-profit, as well as to demonstrate how easy it can be to act green in everyday routines.
“Our ocean waters, which cover 70% of this blue planet, are hovering on the brink of an irreversible collapse, with 90% of the ocean’s big fish gone,” said Andrew Sharpless, Chief Executive Officer of Oceana. “This means an irreplaceable source of food and protein for over a billion people today – and potentially billions more in the future. Luckily, history and science show us that our oceans can rebound if we put in place and enforce sensible policies.”
“Clean and plentiful water is our most precious resource, and we need to treat it as such,” said Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “As we enter the 21st century, swelling demand and changing climate patterns are draining rivers and aquifers, and pollution is threatening the quality of what remains. We need to start implementing smart water solutions today, to ensure we’re sustaining, not wasting, this invaluable resource.”
“Central Park is home to 150 acres of water bodies, and water conservation is an important part of the Conservancy’s history of successful Park restoration,” adds Doug Blonsky, President of the Central Park Conservancy. “We’re more conscientious about how we use water than ever before – and whether you live in or outside of New York City, there are easy, cost-efficient changes that anyone can adopt to help save our planet.”
“Human beings have always had a strong tie to water, as most of the world’s global population lives near a body of water,” said Dr. Greg Stone, Senior vice-president and chief scientist for oceans at Conservation International. “The oceans in particular provide us with irreplaceable benefits; improving their health will be imperative as we prepare to provide for 9 billion people, up from the current 7 billion, on Earth by the middle of this century.”
To date, the Green Auction has successfully raised nearly $5 million for its four beneficiaries. We are also pleased to announce that the Green Auction will be a carbon neutral event. As in past years, Christie’s will waive all fees associated with the Green Auction.
Find out more here.
