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 will run online from March 29 to April 19. 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.

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. The live auction will offer attendees the opportunity to purchase rare, one-of-a-kind fantasy lots – which in past years have included opportunities to: enjoy a day with President Clinton; experience the ultimate treatment at the Oscars®; and sit from row at the Chanel Couture shows in Paris.

The online auction administered by charitybuzz will add hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime packages spanning the worlds of entertainment, fashion, travel, art and more to the lineup, accessible to anyone in the world via http://www.Charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth.  This year’s highlights include:  A Mercedes Benz Fashion Week experience; a one-week paid Global Marketing & Communications internship with DKNY; a five-night stay in an over-beach villa in the Maldives; a Girard-Perregaux watch and more!

To garner added attention around the Green movement, Christie’s will also be launching its interactive “BID to Save the Earth” campaign.  Beginning February 6, environmental advocates can visit Facebook.com/ABid toSavetheEarth to enter the “My BID to Save the Earth” video contest, which will offer applicants a chance to win admission for two to the exciting event.  Supporters are also invited to follow @bid2saveearthon Twitter for exclusive announcements and updates, and to tweet with the hashtag #Bid2SaveEarth for sharing easy tips on keeping green.  We’d love to have The Green Stylist readers participate and WIN!

“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.” 

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. Those interested in sponsoring or contributing to this charitable cause may contact Katelyn Norris at Christie’s.  To donate an experience or package to the online auction, please email greenauction@charitybuzz.com. For additional information on the LIVE and online auctions, visithttp://www.bidtosavetheearth.org/.