One of the most anticipated Hampton events occurred this weekend with A-listers and New York’s elite in attendance—the annual Art For LIfe benefit for Russell Simmons charity, Rush Philanthripic Arts Foundation. This year, honorees were Dave Chappelle, Michaela and Simon de Pury and Ava DuVernay with featured artist Wangechi Mutu— who were honored for their support of the arts, career achievement and overall commitment to inner city communities.
Russell Simmons sported a blue seersucker suit complete with bow tie which was very much in tune with the theme of the evening,The Roaring Twenties. CBS’s morning show’s Gale King, wore a blue and white china patterned mermaid gown which complimented Mr Simmons while Dave Chapelle donned a straw hat that looked straight from the almost century old era.The Bombay Sapphire gin seemed to be overflowing with special cocktails for guests to enjoy.
Mr. Simmons attended with his daughters, Angela and JoJo Simmons who are both gorgeous young debutantes and posed proudly with their Dad at the step and repeat.
The affair featured music by DJ M.O.S. and special performances by Bell Biv Devoe and Elle Varner which added to the fun, party atmosphere.
The event raised more than $1.19 million in support of RUSH‘s work to bring arts programing to inner city youth. Additional guests included James Lipton, Jason Binn, Jaslene Gonzalez, Bleona, DJ Kiss, LuAnn de Lesseps and Kevin Liles.
The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing inner city youth across New York City with exposure to the arts for the past 20 years. The gala, Art For LIfe has been a staple event in the Hamptons for 16 years.
This year’s Art for Life benefit will feature a coinciding online auction via Charitybuzz launching earlier in the month.
Past honorees and supporters have included Michael Bloomberg, Kimora Lee Simmons, Tyler Perry, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey among many others.
