Leonardo DiCaprio Raises $25 Million for Endangered Species
by Shannon Keirnan
Doing good, while looking good.
Leonardo DiCaprio hoses a gala in a secluded vineyard in France to promote his foundation's endangered species programs.
Evidently, it was a success - the actor and conservationist raised over $25 million.
The "Inception" star auctioned off artwork from artists like Damien Hirst and Pablo Picasso, his own motorcycle signed by Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and Bono, and rock and roll memorabilia.
Other auction bids included the chance to extra in one of DiCaprio's films (those went for around $3 million...).
"There has never been, since the time of dinosaurs, as many plant and animal species disappearing so quickly," he told the 500 or so guests in attendence. "We must make efforts to protect rich biodiversity."
Guests included Selena Gomez, Joan Collins, Petra Nemcova, Jared Leto, Marion Cotillard, Robin Thicke, and Bono (who auctioned off his personal guitar, which went for $1 million).
Tickets for the event cost between $7,000 and $130,000. The proceeds went to the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which funds projects and programs designed to help save endangered and threatened species.
If you didn't have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio before, we'll bet you do now. Well done sir, well done.