Leonardo DiCaprio raises $40 million at star-studded charity gala

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio raked in a staggering $40 million for his charity at his second annual auction gala in St. Tropez, France on Wednesday (22Jul15).

The Wolf of Wall Street star invited a number of his celebrity pals, including Sir Elton John, Michelle Rodriguez and Orlando Bloom, to help raise funds for the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, his environmental conservation organisation.

Speaking at the event, activist DiCaprio said, "Tonight's event is about supporting LDFs efforts to protect key species like the tiger, rhino, shark, and mountain gorilla by working with governments to conserve the jungles, coral reefs and forests they call home."

The star then opened the lucrative live auction, which was overseen by Swiss auctioneer Simon de Pury and included a host of luxury items donated by the actor.

DiCaprio pledged a number of personal lots including rare pieces by iconic artist Andy Warhol and British graffiti star Banksy, and a Rolex watch.

British singer Sir Elton, who performed at the event with John Legend, offered two personal concerts, which raised $3 million each.

The Rocket Man hitmaker took to Instagram.com to share a photograph with Legend, writing, "Such a honour (sic) to share the stage with the incredibly talented John Legend. And a joy to raise money to help save our planet for the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation."