Arnold Schwarzenegger Hosts a $292,000 Auction With His Girlfriend in Austria to Raise Funds for His Lifelong Battle Against Climate Change

Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up in an underprivileged household. His police chief father could barely provide for the family of four. Hence, when Schwarzenegger found himself in a position to give back to society, the former Mr. Olympia legend didn’t hesitate. In fact, Schwarzenegger has also fought for the planet for decades. The bodybuilding legend is among the most influential climate warriors and has probably spent millions to combat climate change in every way possible. His most recent endeavor was a unique fundraiser.

On January 19, Schwarzenegger and his girlfriend Heather Mulligan hosted a charity dinner. During the fundraiser, the couple had items worth $292,000 for auction. There was artwork from Hollywood action icon Sylvester Stallone, a ski with Lindsey Vonn‘s signature, and many more.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and his battle against the damaging effects of climate change

The Austrian Oak and his girlfriend Mulligan welcomed 170 guests on Thursday. The former Mr. Olympia held the fundraiser at Kitzbühel, Austria. Athletes like Lindsey Vonn and famous international and local celebrities were on the guest list. Schwarzenegger has 21 items up for auction, valued at 270,000 Euros, or $292,000. The seven-time Mr. Olympia greeted his guests before presenting the auction catalog.

“Your generous contributions will support our efforts to end pollution and protect our environment,” said the former governor of California. Besides Stallone’s artwork and the ski signed by Lindsey Vonn, there were other unique items. A drum with Phil Collins’s signature, Antonio Rudiger’s signed Real Mardir jersey, and Michael Ballack’s German national team jersey were also up for auction.

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Schwarzenegger also included his iconic leather jacket from Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Among the most expensive items was an Audemars Piguet, valued at a minimum of 50,000 euros. An invitation for a private party at the Terminator actor’s house also had a minimum value of 40,000 euros.

Two fundraisers with two years between them

The bodybuilding icon held the first edition of the charity dinner in 2020 at Kitzbuhel, Austria. That year, Schwarzenegger’s initiative raised 900,000 euros, or $973,000. Stallone and Vonn had also contributed to the first edition of the fundraiser.

The funds raised at the Charity Dinner for Climate Action will go to The Schwarzenegger Climate Action organization. Schwarzenegger founded the organization in 2017 to spread awareness about climate change. The organization also helps fund numerous climate-friendly initiatives all over the world. The first edition of the charity dinner happened in 2020.

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