Saving the Earth

US: The international auction house Christie’s plans to hold a “green” auction on 22 April, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Called “A Bid to Save the Earth”, the auction will offer people a chance to bid on artwork, jewellery and eco-holidays, as well as an opportunity to spend time with film stars and other celebrities.

Christies says all proceeds from the auction will go to conservation organizations. Among them are Oceana , Conservation International and the Central Park Conservancy , which supports New York’s famous city park. The auction will be held at the Rockefeller Center in New York.

“We are inspired and honoured to convene top members of the philanthropic, environmental, business and cultural communities to benefit the environment,” Christies CEO Edward Dolman said in a press statement. “This particular initiative will use the knowledge and resources of a world-class auction house to raise much-needed funds which will go directly towards the maintenance and protection of the ecosystems, habitats and species that are the framework of a healthy planet where all people can prosper,” added Peter Seligmann, CEO and chairman of the board of Conservation International.

 Christie's InternationalAll proceeds from the auction will go to conservation groups. 

Christie’s is partnering with Charitybuzz , an online site that specializes in charity auctions. A number of Hollywood stars will act as auctioneers, including Harrison Ford, Leonardo DiCaprio and Salma Hayek.

The chance to spend a day on a film set with Australian heart-throb Hugh Jackman or to have lunch with fashion designer Vera Wang will be among the lots for sale on silent auction. Christie’s estimates that meeting Hugh Jackman (The X-Men) is worth $20,000, while lunch with Vera Wang has an estimated value of $10,000.

The green auction will be shown live on NBC Universal and can also be followed on Twitter and Facebook. Christies’s says it will waive all fees and commissions for the event.