NEW YORK - Artists, conservationists, business leaders, film and music stars from around the globe are marking the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with a Green Auction to benefit the environment.

NEW YORK - Artists, conservationists, business leaders, film and music stars from around the globe are marking the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with a Green Auction to benefit the environment.

Organisers of the live auction yesterday at Christie's and a companion silent online sale and related events, known as "A Bid to Save the Earth," expect to raise millions for four nonprofit environmental groups.

Artists Jenny Holzer, Damien Hirst, Alan Sonfist have donated major works for the sale. Jeff Koons will provide a studio visit to the highest bidder and Annie Leibovitz has donated signed copies of her book.

Bidders can also vie for tennis lessons with John McEnroe, an afternoon in Central Park with Canice Bergen, dinner and the theater with actress Sigourney Weaver or a day on the set with Australian star Hugh Jackman. -Reuters