Leonardo DiCaprio Raises More Than $40 Million for the Environment at Star-Studded Saint-Tropez Gala

Celeb guests at the second annual auction event for the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation included Kate Hudson, Naomi Campbell and Orlando Bloom

Photo: Getty

The only thing more impressive than the guest list at Leonardo DiCaprio’s charity gala Wednesday was how much it raised: a whopping $40 million.

The 40-year-old actor and environmentalist, auctioned off an estate from his Belize island, Blackadore Caye, for more than $11 million at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala, along with a trove of high-priced goodies and some one-of-a-kind experiences. Two private concerts with Elton John went for $3 million total, and a limited re-edition of Rodin’s The Thinker sold for nearly $2 million. DiCaprio also donated artworks by Andy Warhol and Bansky from his personal collection.

Proceeds from the auction go to benefit DiCaprio’s foundation, which works to protect Earth’s last wilderness habitats and the tigers, rhinos, mountain gorillas and other rare creatures that live in them.

A source tells PEOPLE that The Wolf of Wall Street actor played a major role in the event saying, “It’s all Leo … No one can pull this off but him.”

Just as luxurious as the gala’s auction list was its guest list.

Naomi Campbell, Sir Elton John, Orlando Bloom and Irina Shayk were among those who attended the event at the Domaine Bertaud Belieu, a hillside vineyard.

Kate Hudson was seen at the gala, sporting a sheer black gown. The actress posted on Instagram a gorgeous group photo of herself with a few of the other leading ladies including actress Michelle Rodriguez and model Jessica Stam.

Other celebrities spotted at the charity gala included Nina Dobrev, John Legend and Adrien Brody.

Amid A-listers filling the room, and even an impromptu Elton John performance, the mission of the foundation was not overshadowed, as DiCaprio gave a passionate speech about protecting the homes of the world’s key species.

“Focusing on protecting these critically endangered iconic species is almost like setting up a worldwide network of Noah’s arks,” he said.

Long-term partner Julius Baer presented at the event with Chopard and Giorgio Armani co-sponsoring, along with LDF Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby.

• With additional reporting by ELIZABETH MCNEIL