GLOBAL REACH
Leonardo DiCaprio was just one of the eco-minded celebs who turned out for this year’s Global Green gala. The “Revolutionary Road” star brought girlfriend supermodel Bar Rafaeli as his date for the festivities. They joined other A-listers like Kate Bosworth, Heather Graham, Rosario Dawson, Gwen Stefani and hubby Gavin Rossdale at Hollywood hotspot Avalon.
Global Green USA is the American branch of Green Cross International, which was founded by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. For the past six years, Leo and his high-profile pals have worked to raise awareness for the Smart Climate Solutions program. They’ve been setting examples by choosing green cars over limos, building green homes, buying green products and voting for green leaders.
Guests at the gala signed a letter calling on President Obama to make an investment in green schools a national priority.
“All Americans can do something about climate change,” Global Green President and CEO Matt Petersen said. “If we do, we protect our most precious natural resource, our children.”
Petersen called for a major shift in priorities.
“Twenty percent of all Americans go to school every day and attend schools with poor air quality, high energy bills and poor learning environments,” he said, pointing out that schools in the United States pay more for energy bills than for textbooks and computers combined.
“Green schools put more money into our classrooms,” Petersen said. “Green modernization or new sustainable school construction also create green jobs today, while educating and inspiring kids about the green jobs of tomorrow.”
The eco-friendly event ended on a high note with musical performances by Sheryl Crow and Gavin Rossdale.
MUSIC MAN
Congrats to famed composer Marvin Hamlisch, who was presented with the “Life in Art” award for his extensive contributions to the world of music at the Idyllwild Arts Foundation Gala. Held in the chic confines of the California Club, the event drew other musical heavyweights like lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman.
Hamlisch has composed more than 40 motion picture scores, including memorable soundtracks from “The Way We Were,” “Sophie’s Choice,” “Ordinary People,” “Take the Money and Run” and “Save the Tiger,” as well as his adaptation of Scott Joplin’s music for “The Sting.”
In accepting the award, the composer stressed the power of music to unify and inspire. “Music can make a difference,” Hamlisch said. “There is a global nature to music, which has the potential to bring all people together. Music is truly an international language, and I hope to contribute by widening communication as much as I can.”
Hamlisch has won virtually every art award imaginable, including three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globes. Now he has a new trophy for his ever-expanding music mantle.
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