Leonardo DiCaprio Raises $25m for Environment

1 August, 2014

Watch this short video – find out how Leonardo DiCaprio raised the money, who was there at the gal event, and what he’s going to use the money for.

(or read the transcript below)

The world is a better place today, because actor Leonardo DiCaprio raised an amazing $25 million for the environment.

He held a stunning befit gala at a secluded hillside vineyard near the chic Riviera seaside resort of Saint-Tropez in France.

He has long been a high-profile environmentalist, but DiCaprio seems to have set the precedent for stars using their star power for good.  His namesake foundation raised $25 million dollars or 18 million Euros to protect the Earth’s last remaining wildernesses.

Leonardo was flanked by numerous A-list actors and celebrities. Selena Gomez was there, and so was Dynasty star Joan Collins. Bearing in mind that this was a “green” fundraiser, it was appropriate that DiCaprio’s model girlfriend wore a beautiful emerald green dress of silk and lace.

So, how did DiCaprio raise so much money? Well, firstly, the tickets to the event were pricey.  Then, after a passionate speech about his Foundation, DiCaprio opened a live auction. He put his own Harley Davidson motorcycle up for bidding – it was signed by Robert De Niro, Martin Scorcese, and DiCaprio himself.

Afterward, U2′s lead singer Bono sang a duet with Julian Lennon and handed over his personal guitar to Leo to auction off, that brought in an impressive $1 million.

There were other goodies to bid for too. One person paid $2.4 million for the chance to be an “extra” in the next Leonardo DiCaprio film.  A Picasso drawing was also on offer, and the highest bid of the night was by a businessman who paid $6 million to buy a sculpture by British artist Damien Hirst.

DiCprio says that just 2% of philanthropy goes towards protecting our environment – he believes that’s pretty outrageous, considering it is our life support system.

To show the world his commitment to sustainable living, he purchased an eco friendly apartment in New York’s Rockefeller Park,  which is constructed out of renewable materials, partly powered by solar panels, and has a green rooftop planted with pine trees.  The complex has 264 units ranging from a 1 bedroom loft to a 4 bedroom home.

Di Caprio traded in his Prius for a Tesla Roadster, a $100,000 electric sports car that goes 244 miles on a single charge.

He is quoted as saying:

“it’s not about one group of people telling any other group of people how to live. I don’t think it’s fair to tell people to install solar panels or drive a hybrid – that’s not a reality for most people.’

‘It is about something much, much bigger. It’s about getting the governments of the world to implement environmental policy.

He believes that America is  doing very little in renewable technologies – he feels the country should be paving the way, having other countries look up to America as a leader.

Leonardo DiCaprio comes in for criticism for his jet-set lifestyle.  Personally, I don’t know enough about his lifestyle to comment.

If I were to guess, I’d say I probably life a greener life than he does, and maybe you do too, I don’t know.

But – no matter how much I care about the environment, I can’t raise 25 million dollars in one evening. Can you?

Many other celebrities do less for the environment. I believe he’s to be applauded for what he does.

 Please spread the Green word (buttons below) – thank you!