LONDON.- Christie’s International, the world’s leading art business, announces “A Bid to Save the Earth” Green Auction. This first-of-its-kind charity auction will take place on April 22, 2010 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The Evening Sale event will be held at Christie’s, Rockefeller Center, New York and be carried live globally via Christie’s LIVE™. Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four leading not-for-profit environmental organizations: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy. All four beneficiary organizations are 4-Star rated by CharityNavigator.org, its highest rating for not-for-profit organizations. The four participating not-for-profits have programming and supporters across 150 countries and all 7 continents.

Christie’s is partnering with Charitybuzz, the leading destination for online charity benefit auctions, to present a companion silent auction which will be hosted at www.ABidtoSavetheEarth.org. Christie’s will waive all fees and commissions for the auction. Native Energy, a leader in carbon offsetting, will provide carbon offsets for the entire Green Auction. NBC Universal, as part of its ongoing environmental initiative, “Green is Universal,” will serve as the official media partner for the event. Advertising firm MMB, as Christie’s branding partner, created “A Bid to Save the Earth” as the unifying theme for this worthwhile and groundbreaking initiative.

“We are inspired and honored to convene top members of the philanthropic, environmental, business and cultural communities to benefit the environment,” said Edward Dolman, CEO of Christie’s. “We are equally pleased to present a stellar evening auction and to partner with NBC Universal in telling this exciting story with Charitybuzz in building such a compelling silent auction; and of course our four charity partners, who will do what they do best with the proceeds: advocate for the environment.”

The Evening Sale will be a star-studded event with top celebrities serving on the Green Auction Host Committee that includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Tobey Maguire, François-Henri Pinault, Salma Hayek, Bob Fisher, Candice Bergen, Ed Norton, Evelyn Lauder, Alec Baldwin, Zaha Hadid, Brooke Shields, and Matt Lauer.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that our wellbeing as individuals and as a global society hinges on nature. With pressure mounting on our shared home, Earth, innovative fundraising strategies are more important than ever. 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” said Peter Seligmann, CEO and Board Chairman of Conservation International.

During its annual “Earth Week” of environmentally themed coverage, NBCU will use its vast portfolio of both on-air and online media assets to raise “green awareness,” promoting environmental messages and “A Bid to Save the Earth” campaign’s call to action. A wide array of talent will participate throughout the week across NBCU brands including Bravo, USA Network, Oxygen, TODAY Show, Access Hollywood, MSNBC, CNBC, iVillage and local media.