MNN - Mother Nature Network

The Hugh Jackman charity landslide has capped off 2011 by selling an original piece of artwork by the actor and Broadway performer. 

 

The 43-year-old recently joined other celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Lea Michele, Jaden Smith, and Katie Couric in raising money for Pencils of Promise. The charity, which benefited massively this year from an association with Justin Bieber, helps build schools and educate students in the developing world. As part of its holiday campaign, Jackman and others were given a single sheet of paper and a pencil and asked to create something. His "View" artwork, which auctioned for more than $1,000.00, will help educate 10 children for an entire year. 

 

"As a young lad, Hugh Jackman dreamed of seeing the world," the auction reads. "His education in drama allowed him to fulfill his grand dreams. Jackman’s sun soaked view of the bay is a reminder of what one can achieve with an education."

 

As I wrote earlier, the later half of 2011 has seen Jackman once again demonstrate his unique ability to part people with their money for good causes. Over the course of three weeks in November, the performer's new stage production, "Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway", raised an astounding $857,740 for the non-profit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. In October, he also launched a new charity coffee brand called "Laughing Man", as well as a brick-and-mortar store in New York City. 

 

"I met a man who changed the way I looked at the world," Jackman said, speaking of his time in Ethiopia performing charity work. "As Dukale and I planted coffee trees together, I began to see the potential for one man’s hard work to transform an entire community … While working with Dukale that day, I was so inspired by what I learned from him and his community. I made Dukale a promise to do my bit to help. Laughing Man Worldwide is the fulfillment of that promise.

 

Need more proof of the power of Hugh? Last week, after a Broadway performance, the actor once more took to the stage to auction off items for charity; including a sweat-drenched t-shirt he had worn during the show. According to the NY Post, not only was Scarlett Johansson in the audience, but she also rushed the stage during the auction and bid $3,000 for the shirt.

 

Unfortunately for the actress, she was no match for the rabid fans in the house. Hugh's tee eventually sold for a staggering $30,000.

 

All in a night's work for one of Hollywood's most generous celebrities.