Russell Simmons' Arts Foundation Raises $1.2 million in the Hamptons

Bridgehampton, N.Y. Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation celebrated it's 20th Anniversary and raised $1.2 million at the summer of 2015's annual ART for Life Benefit on July 18th at Fairview Farms. Dave Chapelle, 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 RUSH Arts communities.

Philanthropist Russell Simmons. Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

Media mogul Gayle King. Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

Over 900 guests dressed in 1920's attire adding panache to the evenings festivities. It looked like a scene from The Great Gatsby, set on the water under beautiful lit white tents.

Excutive director of RUSH Philanthropic Tanjie Murray.

Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

I was surrounded by women in beautiful sequined dresses, feather boas, elaborate head pieces and jewelry. Gentlemen wore spats and fedoras, some were even clad in suspenders and looked quite dashing as they sipped their Bombay Sapphire gin drinks.

Award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien. Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

Finance tycoon Marc Ledder. Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

Longtime RUSH friend and supporter Soledad O'Brien hosted the event and read a personal letter sent to the organization from President Obama recognizing that RUSH has helped enhance the lives of youth through their art programs for over two decades.

The incomparable Sherry Bronfman. Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

RUSH Philanthropic co-founder and chairman Danny Simmons.

Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

It was touching to watch Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki proudly present a $150,000 gift to the RUSH Teens program from Kimora, who was unable to attend. Honoree, David Chapelle spoke about how the RUSH Arts program helped save his life as a teen growing up in a rough neighborhood.

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Elle Varner.

Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

Alex Wright and musician and Ralph Lauren model Morgan O'Connor.

Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

One of the evening's many highlights came when Simon de Pury (dubbed, the Mick Jagger of auction's) invited James Lipton to help him auction off his contribution to attend his Emmy Award winning 'Inside the Actor's Studio' show seen on Bravo. James Lipton generously donated 2 front row seats during the taping of his show, lunch with him, photo ops with the celebrity being interviewed, and television coverage.

The gorgeous Angela Simmons. Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

Civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavis, Jr.

Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

There was a bidding war and James Lipton doubled his donation, raising $30,000 that evening. The next day a 3rd bidder came forward and contributed another $15,000, raising a record-breaking $45,000 for 6 seats at The Actors Studio filmed at Pace University's New York City's campus and seen in about 90 million homes in 125 countries.

Russell with daughters Ming Lee and Aoki Lee.

Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

David Chapelle. Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

Some of the notable guests, aside from those featured in photographs were D.J. M.O.S., Kevin Liles, Sonya Richards Ross, and Barry Klarberg, among many others.

The author Sara Herbert-Galloway with actor James Lipton.

Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

The author with Russell Simmons.

Photo: Steve Mack/S.D.Mack Pictures.

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation 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. Their message is simple, 'Art Saves Lives.' 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. To learn more visit rushphilanthropic.org .

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