Brothers Russell, Danny, and Joseph Rev. Run Simmons celebrated Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundations 11th Annual Art For Life East Hampton Benefit on Russell Simmons East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 24, 2010. The evening celebrated the creative energy of New York City youth and honored exemplary individuals in the community for their career achievements and philanthropic works. The star-studded fundraising event honored entrepreneur Richie Akiva, philanthropists Allison & Chip Brady, renowned author and lecturer Deepak Chopra and record producer Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean.
This years event chairs included Mark Birnbaum of EMM Group Inc., Jamison Ernest of Yellow Fever and Robin Thicke & Paula Patton. The evening was hosted by actor Anthony Anderson. Bonhams CEO Malcolm Barber served as the evenings Auctioneer with music by DJ M.O.S. Other guests included John Legend, Miami Heats Chris Bosh, Rev. Run and family, Selita Ebanks, Kelly Bensimon, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Tommy Mottola, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
Launched in 2000, Art For Life East Hampton is Rush Philanthropics primary fundraising outreach to friends and supporters. The 2010 Art For Life East Hampton took on a whimsical and enchanting theme for A Night of Wonder! Summer white with a splash of color served as the color scheme for the evening.
Bounty, this years Platinum Sponsor, continued its partnership with Rush Philanthropic and the brands paper towels were featured in a paper mache sculpture garden at the Art For Life benefit. The garden featured animal sculptures created by the youth in Rushs arts education program using Bounty paper towels. Bombay Sapphire, Sutka Productions and Target were additional corporate contributors and sponsors for this year’s event.
Funds raised through Art For Life provide support for many projects throughout the year dedicated to reaching out to New York City youth through the arts.In 2009, Art For Life celebrated its 10th Anniversary with an event that raised just over $1.3 million. Proceeds from the annual gala benefit the Foundations own visual arts education and gallery programs.
Founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph Rev. Run Simmons, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to under-represented artists and artists of color.
For more information pleasevisit www.rushphilanthropic.org.
