Haute Event: Russell Simmons Hosts 13th Annual Art for Life Gala

It’s the event of the season, the party of the summer and one of the most successful, charitable affairs of the year, and the 13^th annual Art for Life gala proved to be one of the most well-attended and rewarding years yet.

Hosted by Russell Simmons at his private East Hampton estate, the gala’s emcee for the evening was none other than famed journalist Soledad O’Brien. In addition to O’Brien and the entire Simmons clan, other notable attendees included Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, who were two of the evening’s honorees, as well as Star Jones, Grant and Tamia Hill, Melanie Fiona, Michael Williams, Jill Zarin, DJ Cassidy, L.A. Reid, June Ambrose, artist Peter Tunney, Salt – n – Pepa and Anita Baker. Salt-n-Pepa and Anita Baker, as well as emerging artist Diggy Simmons, provided the musical entertainment for the evening with live performances. All in all, the event raised over $1.9 million for Rush Kids.