Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Hosts 20th Anniversary Celebration

Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) hosted a 20th anniversary celebration to raise funds for its global environmental efforts to address climate change and protect biodiversity. Proceeds from the evening’s auction will support LDF’s critical environmental programs and its grantee partners, who are on the front lines in every corner of the globe working to protect the earth and all of its inhabitants from climate change and the array of environmental crises it has created.

The event was co-hosted by LDF Founder and Chairman Leonardo DiCaprio and Emerson Collective founder and president Laurene Powell presented in partnership with Jackson Family Wines as well as title sponsors Bank of America and Tiffany & Co. at Jackson Family Ranch in Santa Rosa, Calif.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

“When I founded LDF 20 years ago, I did so based on the simple idea that we could make a real difference by directly funding some of the most effective environmental projects – whether it be individuals, grassroots movements or major nonprofits, we wanted to focus on getting critical funding to those who could have the greatest impact,” said the Oscar winner. “We are extremely proud to celebrate 20 years of this model. Since 1998, we have supported over 200 projects on every continent and in every ocean from habitat and species conservation, renewable energy, climate change, indigenous rights, and more. I am pleased to announce $11 million in new grants across our six program areas, bringing the total financial impact of LDF to over $100 million.”

Lisa Schiff and Marika Kielland of SFA Advisory produced the art auction, which was conducted live by Simon Shaw of Sotheby’s. The auction was filled with unique experiences, collectibles, and a collection of fine art from artists Ai Wei Wei, Richard Prince, David Hockney, Wayne Thiebaud, Frank Gehry, Matthew Wong, The Haas Brothers, among others. The auction was hosted exclusively on Invaluable, the world’s leading online marketplace for fine art, antiques and collectibles.

Photo Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

The evening featured a special performance by Chris Martin of Coldplay who performed “My Heart Will Go On,” “Viva La Vida,” and “Something Just Like This”. Event chairs included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Madonna, Tobey Maguire, Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Jackson, Edward Norton, Moby, Vivi Nevo and Robert Redford.

Renowned artist Wayne Thiebaud, whose seminal work Mountain Split was the centerpiece of the evening’s auction, was awarded with the foundation’s inaugural Art & Environment Award. This award recognizes an individual’s significant and sustained contributions to innovative artistic practice that foregrounds art, and its ability to encourage engagement and action, as a cornerstone of public life.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

LDF presented its inaugural Lifetime Achievement in Conservation Award to environmental filmmaker, gallerist and author Arne Glimcher. This annual award honors individuals for their sustained commitment to protecting our environment and celebrates their efforts to defend and preserve a vibrant and healthy planet. In addition to founding the renowned Pace Gallery, Mr. Glimcher is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the African Environmental Film Foundation (AEFF), which is located in the Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Since its founding in 1998, AEFF has been producing and distributing educational films about environmental issues in Africa, for the people of Africa, in their own languages.

Foundation grantees Amazon Frontlines and CeiboAlliance were presented the first annual Environmental Activist Award. This award celebrates environmental groups or individual activists whose work has created significant, positive impact in their field of focus. Honorees demonstrate courage, leadership and innovation in their efforts to protect the natural world and its inhabitants.

The event was produced by Inward Point as a zero waste, sustainable event using 100% renewable energy and locally sourced foods. Produce was sourced from SingleThread farm and surrounding organic farms, all seafood was Seafood Watch certified “Green” and sourced from local waters. SingleThread Chefs Kyle Connaughton and Jackson Family Wines’ Executive Chef Justin Wangler used vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, honey, eggs and olive oil sourced directly from SingleThread farm. Floral decor will be donated to local retirement and convalescent facilities and any additional food will be donated to Sonoma Family Meal to help victims of the Sonoma County fires. After the celebration, purchased items will be donated to local charities. Additionally, LDF has partnered with Green Mary on waste management, composting everything from the event. Jackson Family Wines, a leader in sustainable winemaking shared their portfolio of wines throughout the event.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

LDF and Leonardo DiCaprio made donations to support disaster relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Florence. Additionally, following recent fires in the Napa Valley region, LDF and Leonardo DiCaprio made donations to the Just and Resilient Future Fund. The Fund was established in 2017 following the devastating fires in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake Counties. More than one hundred thousand people were displaced and the fire took over a dozen lives. The grant will support recovery assistance for the most vulnerable and will support initiatives to build healthy and resilient communities.

LDF also announced today the formation of a new independent board of directors. Leonardo DiCaprio chairs the board, and members include primatologist and anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall, indigenous rights leader and former Special Advisor for Native American Affairs to President Obama Jodi Gillette, LDF CEO Terry Tamminen, Robert Hrtica and Adam Bernholz.