NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s International announced the third annual Green Auction: BID to Save the Earth, to be hosted by Christie’s at Rockefeller Center on April 11, 2012, just two weeks before Earth Day. A world-class companion auction powered by charitybuzz will run online from March 29 to April 19. The Green Auction is a borderless collaboration of individuals, organizations, and businesses who are engaged, in spirit and action, in the protection and conservation of the environment. Initiated in 2010 by Christie’s, the star-studded affair is expected to raise significant proceeds for four of the world’s leading environmental nonprofits – Oceana, Conservation International (CI), Central Park Conservancy (CPC), and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) – specifically to benefit water-conservation projects central to each organization.

“Christie’s is delighted to again host the Green Auction: BID to Save the Earth – fulfilling our commitment to help raise crucial funds and awareness for the preservation of our planet’s precious resources,” said Steven P. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s International. “By partnering with four globally renowned and respected not-for-profits, we are honored to help serve as a catalyst in such an endearing effort.”

The 2012 Green Auction, generously supported by JW Marriott, will be co-chaired by Graydon and Anna Carter, James R. Hedges IV, François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek, and David and Susan Rockefeller, with a live musical performance by Grace Potter of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and overall support from a host committee comprised of New York’s most influential environmentalists, celebrities and philanthropists. Following an exclusive cocktail reception presented by Grey Goose® Vodka, the live auction will offer attendees the opportunity to purchase rare, one-of-a-kind fantasy lots – which in past years have included opportunities to: enjoy a day with President Clinton; experience the ultimate treatment at the Oscars®; and sit from row at the Chanel Couture shows in Paris.

The online auction administered by charitybuzz will add hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime packages spanning the worlds of entertainment, fashion, travel, art and more to the lineup, accessible to anyone in the world via http://www.Charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth. This year’s highlights include: A Mercedes Benz Fashion Week experience; a one-week paid Global Marketing & Communications internship with DKNY; a five-night stay in an over-beach villa in the Maldives; a Girard-Perregaux watch and more!

“We must all take responsibility to protect the natural world for future generations,” said co-chair Susan Rockefeller. “Everyone can help support Christie’s Green Auction, which delivers a global message about the relevance and necessity to take action and participate in conserving the planet’s precious and finite resources.”

The choice to focus this year’s theme on water stemmed from each organization’s notion that water is the source of life, and there are simple methods anyone can follow to play a part in preserving it. The goal of the Green Auction is to raise awareness and funds for the large-scale earth-saving initiatives programmed by each non-profit, as well as to demonstrate how easy it can be to act green in everyday routines.

“Our ocean waters, which cover 70% of this blue planet, are hovering on the brink of an irreversible collapse, with 90% of the ocean’s big fish gone,” said Andrew Sharpless, Chief Executive Officer of Oceana. “This means an irreplaceable source of food and protein for over a billion people today – and potentially billions more in the future. Luckily, history and science show us that our oceans can rebound if we put in place and enforce sensible policies.”

“Clean and plentiful water is our most precious resource, and we need to treat it as such,” said Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “As we enter the 21st century, swelling demand and changing climate patterns are draining rivers and aquifers, and pollution is threatening the quality of what remains. We need to start implementing smart water solutions today, to ensure we’re sustaining, not wasting, this invaluable resource.”

"Central Park is home to 150 acres of water bodies, and water conservation is an important part of the Conservancy’s history of successful Park restoration," adds Doug Blonsky, President of the Central Park Conservancy. “We're more conscientious about how we use water than ever before - and whether you live in or outside of New York City, there are easy, cost-efficient changes that anyone can adopt to help save our planet.”

"Human beings have always had a strong tie to water, as most of the world's global population lives near a body of water,” said Dr. Greg Stone, Senior vice-president and chief scientist for oceans at Conservation International. “The oceans in particular provide us with irreplaceable benefits; improving their health will be imperative as we prepare to provide for 9 billion people, up from the current 7 billion, on Earth by the middle of this century."

To garner added attention around the Green movement, Christie’s will also be launching its interactive “BID to Save the Earth” campaign. Beginning February 6, environmental advocates can visit Facebook.com/ABid toSavetheEarth to enter the “My BID to Save the Earth” video contest, which will offer applicants a chance to win admission for two to the exciting event. Supporters are also invited to follow @bid2saveearth on Twitter for exclusive announcements and updates, and to tweet with the hashtag #Bid2SaveEarth for sharing easy tips on keeping green.

To date, the Green Auction has successfully raised nearly $5 million for its four beneficiaries.