E ast Hampton, New York. Russell Simmons along with his former wife, and honorary chair of the event, Kimora Lee and brother Danny Simmons delivered a star-studded event in the Hamptons with performances by Anita Baker, Diggy Simmons and Salt-N-Pepa, The event shows the true Heart of Hip Hop. The Proceeds from Art for Life (the event raised more than $1.9 million)to the RUSH Philanthropic charity that supports arts programs for inner city kids.
This year’s theme for 2012, “Living in Color!” recommended attire for the evening was summer’s hottest colors Rush Orange, Aqua Blue, Chartreuse, and Fuchsia.
Yearly Rush Philanthropic event
While honoring the philanthropic efforts of celebrity couples including Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon and Tamia and Grant Hill,as well as corporate givers such as Sun Capital Partners Inc. co-CEO Marc J. Leder and the Bancorp Inc. CEO Betsy Z. Cohen. They were presented with artwork pieces made by Rush Kids, and inspired by the work of artist Kehinde Wiley.
“It’s a party that shows that hip hop has heart, that hip hop has integrity and that hip hop gives back,” – Bevy Smith.
“I know how to beg and I know a lot of people
to beg from. Alan Patricof lives next door, and Ron Perelman lives just nearby.” Every year he throws the party on his own property, “so at least that’s free.” – Russell Simmons
Former Governor Patterson and Teen Model Tracy Travis
The event is fantastic I love the charity and it’s mission ,the event was very inclusive with adults, young adults and Children. An arts program for the youth is very important it will help flourish creativity – Tracy Travis, Teen Model and former Radio Disney Contributor
It was a wonderful sight to see hip hop as a culture and art form, develop and make it into maturity. Art for Life is a great cause to help the children from the community where Rap Music founded it’s origins . It’s now decades later and everything is coming back full circle but bearing wonderful fruit.
About the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Founded in 1995 by 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., Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing inner-city youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to under-represented artists and artists of color.
Rush currently operates galleries and art education programs in Chelsea, Manhattan (Rush Arts Gallery) and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (Corridor Gallery). Rush Education Programs are designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors, and support increases academic performance.
For more information, visit http://www.rushphilanthropic.org.
