by Sarah Ellerman

Get your kicks exploring a huge collection of autographed rock memorabilia, and save the planet while you're at it. The Save the Earth Foundation's ArtRock Auction combines fun and social consciousness in one rare package. Their auction of rock mementos launches on Earth Day, April 22, and runs through May 20. All proceeds benefit the Save the Earth Foundation, a not-for-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to funding ecological research.

The centerpiece of the collection offered is a series of limited edition lithographs hand-signed by the late Jerry Garcia. Before last year's ArtRock Auction, some rare posters were sent to Garcia's manager to be autographed, but were lost. Before replacements arrived, Jerry passed on, and they were never signed. This year, the Save the Earth Foundation is pleased to make good on their promise in providing Jerry's own artwork to his fans. Each work of art comes with a certificate of authenticity. Also featured at the auction are several signed pieces by such bands as Tom Jones, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Eagles, Nine Inch Nails, and the Rolling Stones. Truly, there's something for everyone here.

This fund-raiser is in cyberspace only. This allows global access to the site so people all over the world can bid on these pieces of rock and roll history. Also, it's very cost- effective for Save the Earth. They are spared the expense of printing a catalog, and their Web site was donated by Global Commerce Link of Colorado, so you can rest assured that every penny earned from the ArtRock Auction is pure profit aimed at ecological causes, not administrative overhead. Save the Earth uses the money to provide funding to "institutes of higher learning that whose research is focused on finding practical and lasting solutions to environmental problems."

The supporting material on Save the Earth's site is interesting to rock fans and environmentalists alike. Their online magazine features RealAudio interviews with musicians and celebrities as well as editorial and music reviews from prominent journalists. Visit today, and rock the earth for a good cause.