Hamptonites Razzled and Dazzled at the 20th anniversary of Art for Life

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.

I was delighted to speak to one of my new favorite singers Elle Varner, she was so warm and engaging, she stated that she was the BEST KEPT SECRET…I said she was correct.

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.

The benefit was hosted by longtime Rush friend and supporter, Soledad O’Brien, and featured special performances by Bell Biv Devoe, Elle Varner and music by DJ M.O.S. The evening also included a special presentation by Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Simmons to the recipients of the 2015 Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship, graduates of the Rush Teens program.

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.

Rush was founded in 1995 by three brothers: Danny Simmons, visual artist and community builder; media mogul Russell Simmons; and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. Their goal was to fill the gap that the disenfranchised and people of color faced in both accessing the arts and exhibition opportunities.

Over the past 20 years with the help of a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters, Rush has been able to develop it’s main two program areas – Rush Education art programs for our youth and Rush Arts Galleries supporting and featuring emerging artists nationwide – working together in a seamless way to open up the arts to populations facing hurdles to the joy and benefits of these experiences. Designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors and support increased academic performance, Rush Education programs- Rush Little Kids, Rush Kids, Rush Teens and Rush Galleries in Schools– directly serve over 3,000 students annually. In addition, each year through our Rush Arts Galleries- Rush Arts Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan and Corridor Gallery in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn- exhibit the work of over 100 emerging and community-based artists; welcomes over 10,000 gallery visitors; and provides unique opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts.

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.