'Vampire Diaries' Star Ian Somerhalder Hosts 'The Influence Affair'; Raises Funds for a Greener Future

Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder is doing what he can to make the world a greener place. The actor and his namesake organization hosted The Influence Affair in Bel Air Saturday evening, the night before Earth Day 2012, in an effort to connect business leaders, change makers and visionaries to propel society toward "a better, kinder and greener future."

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Somerhalder stopped by the THR Cover Lounge on Thursday to discuss why he founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation.

"I realized as an adult it's not me, or you, or anyone running this camera or anyone sitting in this room who is going to actively make people change their minds, it's going to take a generation," he said. "The only way to do that is with the youth of the world."

The night at The Hadid Residence featured Sounds by DJ Josh LeCash and a live musical performance by Capital Cities. The event was also celebrating the Let's Get Dirty campaign, during which businesses, organizations and more than 2,000 schools participated in a massive clean-up effort.

“The coming together of like-minded individuals through action is what's needed to see wide spread change for us, our planet and its creatures," Somerhalder said in a statement to THR. "This event provides a platform for individuals who want to see tangible results through active collaboration between celebrities, business leaders and individuals.”

Joining Somerhalder at the event was Vampire Diaries co-star and girlfriend Nina Dobrev, as well as co-star Persia White, Pretty Little Liars' Julian Morris, Shahs of Sunset's Anita Gohari, graffiti artist Erik Wahl, Hart of Dixie's Scott Porter and former Lost co-star Maggie Grace.

Somerhalder tweeted after the party was over, "Thank you- The Influence Affair was magical..."

"The @IS_Foundation was such a inspiring and beautiful affair. Congrats to everyone involved, what a success!" Dobrev tweeted Sunday to her more than 2 million followers.