Russell Simmons Art for Life Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary July 18, 2009.

East Hampton, N.Y. July 18, 2009 – Brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev.Run” Simmons rolled out the red carpet to welcome their celebrity friends and East Enders to Russell’s charming East Hampton estate to celebrate the 10th Year of Rush Philanthropic Foundation’s Art for Life East Hampton. The theme this year was black & white and guests were asked to dress accordingly. Soledad O’Brien from CNN was this years host. Honorees were Vanessa Williams, Sheila C. Johnson; CEO of Salamander Hospitality and co-founder of BET, and Target. The evenings auctioneer was Simon de Pury. It was reported that the evenings event raised 1 million dollars.

Some attendees were; Allison and Chip Brady , newly engaged Kevin Lyles, Kyle MacLachlan and Desiree Gruber, NY Governor David Patterson and many others. To view more photos of guests please go to http://www.manhattansociety.com .
Mission: Launched in 2000, ART FOR LIFE East Hampton is Rush Philanthropic’s primary fundraising outreach to friends and supporters. Funds raised through ART FOR LIFE will provide support for many projects throughout the year dedicated to reaching out to New York City youth through the arts. In 2005, Rush Philanthropic expanded its ART FOR LIFE franchise with the first ART FOR LIFE Palm Beach and in 2008 introduced ART FOR LIFE Miami Beach. Outside of providing funding for Rush Philanthropic’s core programs, proceeds from ART FOR LIFE East Hampton and ART FOR LIFE Miami Beach also provide direct funding to nonprofit arts and education organizations throughout New York City and South Florida.
Rush Philanthropic believes that if you give young people the opportunity to practice and appreciate art—whether poetry, music, dance or the visual arts—you will see lives transformed. Nurtured in early childhood, and anchored in sustained, creative experiences throughout one’s life, it is through art that we see young people learn to value their own unique voices and visions; and it is through art that we see artists transform the minds and eyes of society.
In its first 11 years, Rush Philanthropic has served over 700,000 urban youth, directed millions in funding from donors including individuals, foundations and leading corporations to underserved youth, and established two exhibit and education facilities, To learn more go to http://www.rushphilanthropic.org.

Sara Herbert-Galloway

Photos: ManhattanSociety.com By Gregory Partanio http://www.manhattansociety.com