Christie’s International announces “A Bid to Save the Earth” Green Auction, the first-of-its-kind charity auction to take place 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 carried live globally via www.christies.com. Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four leading environmental non-profits: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy.

Green initiatives include a companion silent auction hosted at ABidtoSavetheEarth.org, and carbon offsets will be provided by Native Energy.

The live auction will include major works from artists including Keith Tyson, Maya Lin, Subodh Gupta, and Olafur Eliasson. Other lots will include coveted celebrity experiences, upscale eco-vacations and exquisite jewelry. Hugh Jackman, Christina Aguilera, and Candice Bergen are just a few of the talented stars offering VIP experiences, with additional luxury items secured daily.

Lots for the sale on silent auction will include celebrity packages such as spending a day with Hugh Jackman on the set of his movie “Reel Steel’, VIP tickets to a Christina Aguilera concert, a Californification set visit with David Duchovny, falconry lessons with Bobby Kennedy, and lunch with a major television star.

“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.

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 well being 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 raise “green awareness,” promoting environmental messages and “A Bid to Save the Earth” campaign’s call to action.

“Our core mission is to raise awareness and activate consumers to positively impact the environment. On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, it couldn’t be a better time to mobilize the NBCU assets to provide maximum exposure, and help drive support for these environmental organizations,” said Lauren Zalaznick, President of NBC Universal’s Women & Lifestyle Entertainment Networks, who oversees ‘Green is Universal.’

Top collectors on the Host Committee include a who’s-who of philanthropists, artists, environmentalists, and media from all over the world such as: Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr., David de Rothschild, Anna and Graydon Carter, Brian Williams, Caryn and Jeff Zucker, and Kelly and Ron Meyer.