Watch CBS News

Rainforest Foundation Raises $2M

Sting and his wife Trudi Styler's Rainforest Foundation Fund raised more than $2 million at their annual benefit gala concert last week, a spokesperson for the foundation said Wednesday.

Sheryl Crow, James Taylor, Billy Joel, and Lenny Kravitz broke out their bell bottoms to sing songs from the late '60s at the Woodstock-themed concert, held at New York's Carnegie Hall on May 19.

Celebrity guests included Russell Crowe, Michael J. Fox, Pamela Anderson, Chazz Palmenteri and Rita Wilson.

Ticket prices for the concert and gala party afterwards ranged from $150 to $2,500, but Sting told CBSNews.com that the show alone was worth the price.

"It's a good show anyway, whether you care about the Rainforest or not," he said. "It's value for money."

Styler, who produced the concert, agreed. "It just blows me away each time we do it," she said.

Sting performed several times, singing "I Got You Babe" with Crow, and Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing." Kravitz also channeled Hendrix by playing the legendary guitarist's "Foxy Lady."

Even comedian Will Farrell got into the act, singing Richard Harris' "Macarthur Park" dressed in a red unitard and love beads.

For Crow, the evening had special meaning: It was one of her first performances since undergoing cancer treatment in February. "I am so happy to be here tonight on this beautiful planet we must save," she told the crowd.

The foundation continues to raise money through an online auction that will run until June 9. The collection up for grabs includes autographed items from Tim McGraw, Muhammad Ali, and Elvis; and meet and greets with Jewel, Rod Stewart and Kris Kristofferson. There are also luxury vacations, artwork and VIP audience tickets to television talk shows.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.