Jane Fonda hosted an event at a Beverly Hills gallery to raise funds for the Campaign for Safe and Healthy California, which aims to protect communities from toxic oil drilling. The event, attended by hundreds of supporters including Larry Gagosian, Aileen Getty, Wendy Schmidt, Chrissy Teigen, and John Legend, raised over $10 million through the sale of artworks by artists like Ed Ruscha, Frank Gehry, Catherine Opie, and more. Fonda’s grassroots environmental campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of oil drilling near schools and playgrounds, in response to oil companies’ efforts to spend $200 million to overturn a bill signed by Governor Newsom.
The idea for an art auction to raise funds quickly gained momentum, with artists donating pieces to support the cause. Fonda’s enthusiasm and dedication were contagious, leading to the successful gathering of 30 works from 30 artists. The funds raised at the event totaled $10 million, with an additional $17 million raised to date for the campaign. The remaining artworks will be sold at auction through Christie’s in May, with a selling exhibition planned at Gagosian later this summer. The success of the event showcased the power of art and activism combined to drive social change and support important causes.
The event featured a VIP rooftop reception where guests enjoyed champagne and caviar blinis while supporting the campaign against oil drilling. Larry Gagosian, the gallery owner, jokingly noted that he was not used to charging for entry to his gallery but saw the merit in the idea. The event raised $300,000 through ticket sales alone, with attendees expressing their support for Fonda and her tireless efforts. The star-studded guest list included Maria Shriver, Judd Apatow, Mayor Karen Bass, and many others who came together to show their support for the cause.
The evening kicked off with remarks from Larry Gagosian, who praised Fonda as “the hardest working woman I know, and a national treasure.” Fonda’s dedication and passion for the cause were evident in her efforts to rally support and raise awareness about the dangers of oil drilling in communities. Speakers at the event, including Nalleli Cobo, Dr. Lorenzo Gonzalez, Wendy Schmidt, and Chrissy Teigen, highlighted the importance of protecting neighborhoods from toxic oil drilling. John Legend performed for the intimate audience, delivering a fitting tribute to Fonda and her tireless advocacy work.
The success of the event showcased the power of art to inspire social change and raise awareness about important issues. Fonda’s initiative to raise funds for the Campaign for Safe and Healthy California through an art auction brought together artists, activists, and supporters in a unified effort to protect communities from the dangers of oil drilling. The funds raised will support ongoing efforts to educate the public about the risks associated with oil drilling near schools and playgrounds, and to advocate for stronger environmental protections in California. Fonda’s dedication to the cause and her ability to mobilize support from a diverse range of individuals underscored the impact of art and activism in driving positive change.
