Tom Hanks raised $26,000 for Sting's rainforest charity by personally selling off a voicemail message at a star-studded auction in New York on Tuesday night.
 
Elton John, Bruno Mars and Jennifer Hudson were among the famous faces who performed at a benefit concert at Manhattan's Carnegie Hall to raise money for Sting's Rainforest Fund, and after the show, a charity auction took place at The Pierre hotel.

Sting took to the auctioneer's podium himself to sell off tickets to one of his upcoming gigs for $23,000, but his total was trumped by Hanks, who personally sold off a voicemail message.

He offered to leave a message for the winning bidder in the style of one of his famous characters, either Forrest Gump or Toy Story's Woody, telling the audience, "I'll do your whole menu. Press 1 for Parts and Service! Press 2 for Speedy Delivery!"

His sales pitch worked and the lot went for $26,000, according to New York Post gossip column Page Six.

Guests at the auction included Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Bruno Mars and former President Bill Clinton.