Posted June 15, 2008 - One of the hottest events of the summer is back for another year. The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s Ninth Annual Art For Life East Hampton benefit gala is finally here. This annual fundraising event is held at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton, N.Y., estate on Saturday and will be hosted by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien.
The annual event is put on by Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which was founded in 1995, by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons. The foundation was established to provide disadvantaged urban youth access to the arts. It also provides selected young people exhibition opportunities for underrepresented artists and artists of color. Last year, the event raised 1.4 million dollars and all of the proceeds from the event benefited over 50 New York City non-profit organizations that offer educational programs in all spectrums of the arts as well as the Foundation’s own visual arts education programs.
This star-studded event brings in close to 900 leaders from the entertainment, arts, business and philanthropic communities each year. This year is no different; the list of stars, guests and hornorees is long and covers a wide spectrum. Grammy nominated R&B artist, Tamia and husband, NBA star-athlete, Grant Hill will be Honorary Chairs at the event. Modeling icon and founder of Turly, Inc. and the Christy Turlington Foundation, Christy Turlington Burns and Bret Ratner of RAT Entertainment, will also be honorees at this year's outing. Other guests include Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Taraji P. Henson, Philadelphia Eagles’ LJ Smith and Kansas City Chiefs Larry Johnson.
This benefit gala is highlighted by its silent auction as well as its highly anticipated theme and featured color. This year, the theme is Shakesperean: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The colors are shades of violet, which will be a sight to see as some of the hottest and most renowned celebrities show off there styles in the featured color palette. Also special for the ART FOR LIFE gala is the featured artist, who this year will be abstract painter Ed Clark. Another special part of this gala is the donation of theme colored garments and accessories given to the benefit by some of fashion’s top designers, such as brands like Victoria’s Secret and packages from Russell Simmons and Petra Nemcova to sell at the auction. Even if you are not lucky enough to attend this event you will be able to receive some of the fashions from the auction online at ART FOR LIFE Charity Buzz Online Auction, which will be held on July 23rd.
This year’s gala is one of the biggest events of the summer not only for the stars but for the people that benefit from it as well. The goals are lofty for this event and so is the spirit of giving that accompanies it.
Get more info and bid on the event at CharityBuzz.com.
Look out for exclusive pics of this event next week on BET.com.