DiCaprio gala raises over $40 million for environment

Leonardo DiCaprio raised over $40 million to help save the planet at an auction in Saint-Tropez, France, on Wednesday night.

He said: “Tonight’s event is about supporting LDFs efforts to protect key species like the tiger, rhino, shark, and mountain gorilla by working with governments to conserve the jungles, coral reefs and forests they call home”. By focusing on protecting these critically-endangered iconic species is nearly like setting up a worldwide network of Noahs arks.

DiCaprio told the audience, “We’ve decimated our forests, wildlands”.

DiCaprio even donated a number of personal items including a Rolex and Andy Warhol and Bansky artworks from his personal collection. WWD also reports that other lots to go under the hammer include art, luxury items and “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” such as a one-on-one match with Roger Federer; an arctic expedition with Albert II Prince of Monaco; a backstage visit at Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour in 2016 as well as a seat next to David Beckham in his private box at the Wembley Stadium during an English national team soccer game. The remaining 45 estates will be offered by private invitation only.

Money raised at today’s event will go to LDF’s environmental protection programmes.

Harvey Weinstein raised $1.1 million by auctioning off a chance to be his date at some glitzy Hollywood events for a year. Mr. Blavatnik spent over $2 Million on the night in he auction.

Wrapping up the evening, John gave a surprise performance, singing “Tiny Dancer” for the crowd.

Among the celebrities to join DiCaprio for the fundraising soiree were Elton John and John Legend, who performed, along with Orlando Bloom, Kate Hudson, Nina Dobrev, Michelle Rodriguez, Marion Cotillard, and Sylvester Stallone. All the key ecosystems that not only serve as a home to our planet’s biodiversity, but also make life here for us possible.

The foundation, which the star set up in 1998, is engaged in more than 70 projects across the globe, including the Elephant Crisis Fund and The Solutions Project to accelerate the transition to renewable energies.