It wasn’t a red carpet event. Try a green carpet.
But what else would you expect since Global Green, a national environmental organization headquartered in Southern California, was throwing their 15th annual Pre-Oscar gala fundraiser?
And I got to meet astronaut Buzz Aldrin. In a rocket suit. Goal complete.
The organization hosted its 15th annual Pre-Oscar Gala presented by EARTHx. The green event of Oscar Week, gathered legends such as Aldrin, actors Harry Hamlin (Mad Men) and Ed O’Neill (Modern Family), Hannah Zeile (This is Us), Elisabeth Röhm (Joy, American Hustle), eco-luminaries, and green businesses to celebrate and champion climate heroes on February 28, in the heart of Hollywood at NeueHouse, a venue that is both historic and green.
VIP and celebrity attendees arrived at the green carpet in clean hydrogen electric fuel cell vehicles in partnership with environmental nonprofit Energy Independence Now.
The timely event, which was not marred by a deafening protest against retail giant Walmart outside, raised critical funds for Global Green’s climate disaster rebuilding initiatives as well as their efforts to help build greener affordable housing for the homeless. 2017 has seen some of the worst climate-related disasters in modern times. California has experienced one of its worst fire and mudslide seasons, and some of the most destructive hurricanes to strike the U.S. caused devastating floods and power outages in Houston and Puerto Rico.
This year’s Pre-Oscar celebration honored Global Green’s new co-chair and EARTHx founder Trammell S. Crow, the CEO of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Terry Tamminen, Jaka Bizilj, Founder, Cinema for Peace; and from the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) – Ashley Grosh, Wells Fargo Vice President and co-founder of the IN2 program, Richard Adams, Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center for the National Renewable Energy Lab and Lisa Laughner, President and CEO, Go Electric and an IN2 awardee company.
Actor Harry Hamlin, who is also the founder of Tae Technologies, a company committed to creating a sustainable future, had this to say to Reel Chicago about the event, “It was an interesting group who are doing the right thing against temporary headwinds which only reinforces my optimism that tech innovation and determination will win out in the end.”
The night was enhanced with a featured performance by 12-time grammy nominated Ledisi and by Lauren Ruth Ward. Guests were treated to a performance by the Foshay during the cocktail reception. Lea Thompson, Buzz Aldrin, Garcelle Beauvais, Ashley Tisdale, Sharon Lawrence, John Salley, and Jane Seymour were also in attendance.
“Global Green is so appreciative of the Hollywood community’s support to help us raise financial support and global awareness for climate solutions working to protect the people, places and planet in need,” said Global Green Executive Director Walker Wells. “The star-studded event provides the opportunity to remind the country’s political leaders and the public that the climate threat is real, and that Global Green is committed to fighting climate change by shining a light on climate heroes during Hollywood’s biggest week of the year.”
Cher, Stella McCartney, Oliver Stone, Ed O’Neill, Elisabeth Röhm, among other stars and generous supporters, donated unique auction items to Global Green in support of the fight to stop climate change and the need to transition to clean energy and a sustainable, resilient future. The online auction also features an incredible package to sail on PeaceBoat’s 100th voyage. The online auction will run through March 6 and can be found HERE.
The environmental nonprofit organization Energy Independence Now brought the clean hydrogen electric fuel cell vehicles provided by Toyota Mirai for guests to check-out on the green carpet this year. Celebrity transportation was graciously provided by LAcarGUY.
You can see the entire photo album by clicking here.
Contact Colin Costello at colin@reelchicago.com or follow him on Twitter @colincostello10.
