Proceeds from the auction, which will be carried on Christie's live at www.christies.com and continues with a silent auction ending on May 6 (www.abidtosavetheearth.org), will also benefit Oceana and Conservation International.

Christie's is waiving all fees and commissions for the sale, and in nod toward being green is not printing a catalog. Native Energy is providing carbon offsets -- reduced carbon emissions to counter those associated with the event.

Charity auctions have raked in big bucks in recent years, and while the financial crisis has struck hard, experts say the art market is on the verge of a strong recovery.

Organizers say that raising awareness and stimulating even small donations to environmental concerns is a chief goal.

Those on a more modest budget can scoop up one of Barney's specially designed $40 T-shirts, a tie-in with the event.

Text happy tweeters are encouraged to text GOGREEN to phone number 20222 for a $10 donation, while both Twitter (Bid2SaveEarth) and Facebook (ABidToSaveTheEarth)are linked to the auction. 
 

【编辑：黄辉】