Streisand’s half million dollar check represented about half of what she gave in total for 2006. Even more impressive is looking back through her filings for the Streisand Foundation over the last decade. She’s very quietly given away millions of dollars, evenly and thoroughly to numerous humanitarian, health and arts organizations. Frankly, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences should be rewarding Streisand with its Irving J. Thalberg Award. Who knew? Unlike some stars who toot their charity horns, Streisand has been incredibly mute on the subject.

Earlier this year, Barbara also donated $5 million for the creation of a new cardiovascular research and education program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. On the green side, Barbara’s husband (Actor James Brolin) is also potentially planning on launching a healthy, organic fast food chain. Read more about that venture here.

The 2008 Oceana Partners Award Gala was held in Los Angeles Saturday evening in honor of former President Bill Clinton, Sting, and his wife Trudi Styler. On hand to celebrate were a number of famous faces such as Ted Danson & Mary Steenburgen, Barbara Streisand and James Brolin, Dustin Hoffman, Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith, Diane Keaton, Kirsten Dunst, Adrian Grenier, Katharine McPhee, Zach Braff, Melissa George, Rosanna Arquette, Kristin Chenoweth, Arriana Huffington, Laura Dern and Ben Harper, Norman Lear, Sarah Paulsen, Laird Hamilton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Karina Petroni and Lisa Anderson.

Clinton was recognized for this continuing contributions to the environment — particularly through the Clinton Climate Initiative. Trudi and Sting were given honors for their Rainforest Foundation organization and the the more than $25 million they’ve helped raise with their 15 benefit concerts since 1989.

Guests were treated to a special four song surprise performance by Sting. Dustin Hoffman joined him on-stage to play the piano for a song Dustin had written. Rosanna Arquette also served as the DJ throughout the evening.

Over $1.3 million was raised for Oceana from the evening’s festivities!

We’ve got a whole bunch of photos from the event after the jump — so have a look! And congrats to Oceana on another wonderful event and successful fundraiser!

Photo credits: Dahlhouse Productions/Oceana

As Oprahpalooza kicked off in Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire over the weekend, it is clear that when it comes to celebrity endorsements, Obama is the man. A flood of support continues to pour in from a range of celebrities including George Clooney, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Stephen Colbert, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and oh, Dreamworks (because that is what you get with the three most powerful men in Hollywood – Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen).

Other candidates have their ringers as well. Senator Hillary Clinton has recent endorsements and support from Barbara Streisand, Donald Trump, Martha Stewart and Tom Hanks. And of course, her husband former President Clinton. I mean who doesn’t want to see Bill back in the White House, especially with all of his recent socially global and climate driven initiatives. Regardless, the campaign is truly heating up and while at the end of the day it is about electing a leader based on the issues and leadership capabilities, there is no denying the magic of the “O” factor and Obama earns big strategic points on that one!

Check out the latest celebrity endorsements on The Huffington Post Fundrace 2008.