Hamptonites Razzled and Dazzled at the 20th anniversary of Art for Life
This was the 20th anniversary of Art for Life, the theme was the “Roaring Twenties” and the guest came out in Full 20’s attire. Guests in attendance included:James Lipton, Angela Simmons, Jojo Simons, Gayle King, Jaslene Gonzalez, Bleona, DJ Kiss, LuAnn de Lesseps, Bevy Smith, Cynthia Bailey, and Kevin Liles.Merrill Lynch Racquel Oden and her husband Walter Oden, Simon de Pury, Sara Herbert-Galloway, Soledad O’Brien, Russell Simmons,Danny Simmons, Jaslene Gonzalez, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavis, Jr., Judia Black of Enjoie and RHOA Cynthia Bailey all stopped to chat with me on why Art is so important for children and their overall success in school. When I asked Danny Simmons if he felt Rush Philanthropic was where he envisioned it being 20 years ago when he first started, his response was NO…He thought he would be little further, “I want to be National”Danny stated. I asked how many states are you currently in and he stated they are only in 2 states, New York and New Jersey and they are in the process of opening a chapter in Philadelphia. Danny stated that after opening the Philadelphia chapter he plans on expanding to Detroit and Atlanta.
HONOREES INCLUDED DAVE CHAPPELLE, SIMON AND MICHAELA DE PURY, AVA DUVERNAY & FEATURED ARTIST WANGECHI MUTU
Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation raised more than $1.2 million at its 2015 ART FOR LIFE Benefit on July 18th at Fairview Farms in Bridgehampton, NY. The event marked the 20th Anniversary of the RUSH Foundation which works to bring arts programing to inner city youth. Dave Chappelle, Michaela and Simon de Pury, Ava DuVernay, and featured artist Wangechi Mutu were honored for their support of the arts, career achievements, and overall commitment to our communities.
Artfully crafted concoctions created by Art For Life Gold Sponsor BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin in honor of the 20th Anniversary were served throughout the evening. The benefit was also supported by Silver Sponsor Merrill Lynch.
This year’s event includes a coinciding Art For Life online auction via Charitybuzz, open to the public, which includes the opportunity to take over Russell Simmons (@unclerush) and Larry Kings (@kingsthings) Twitter for the day, a meet and greet with Julianne Moore along with 2 tickets to the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, meetings with Ava DuVernay, Jay Pharoah, Al Roker, Wiz Khalifa, Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis, and many more. The auction will remain open through July 30th. To support and bid please visit charitybuzz.com/artforlife.
Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (RPAF) is dedicated to providing inner city youth across New York City with significant exposure to the arts, as well as to supporting emerging artists with exhibition opportunities.
Art saves lives, it is that simple. Rush Philanthropic believes that if you give young people the opportunity to practice and appreciate art — whether poetry, music, dance, or the visual arts — then you will see lives transformed as young people learn to value their own unique voices and visions. It is this type of impact we aspire to see happen and that your support will make possible.
This year’s coinciding ART FOR LIFE online auction via Charitybuzz will launch on July 17th and will run through August 7th. Highlights include: Dinner with Miss Universe Gabriela Isler, Be a Roadie for a day with John Legend, Meet and Greets with Heidi Klum, Michael Strahan and more! http://www.charitybuzz.com/artforlife.
