RUSH Philanthropic Art Foundation and Bombay Sapphire Gin celebrated 17 years of Art For Life.
On Saturday, July 16, Russell and Danny Simmons’ RUSH Philanthropic Art Foundation hosted a celebratory gala for 17th Art For Life benefit. Anthony Anderson emceed the evening which honored Soledad O’Brien, Star Jones, Frank Cooper III, James Cruz, Debra L. Lee, Suzannne de Passe, Alex Wailitz and featured artists Nari Ward for their support of the arts, career achievements, and overall commitment to our communities. Other VIPs who attended include Gayle King, James Lipton, Bozoma Saint John, Dr. Lisa Strohman, Katie Couric, Angela Simmons, James Cruz, and more.
The evening, themed “Back to the Future” featured music by DJ M.O.S, Tyrese, Whodini, and Doug E. Fresh. Bevy Smith hosted the Art For Life Red Carpet. Event sponsors included Gold Sponsor Bombay Sapphire gin, Silver Sponsor Merrill Lynch and Bronze sponsor BET.
In the 20 years of its work RUSH developed two main programs of focus. Rush Education art programs for the youth and Rush Arts Galleries supporting and featuring emerging artists nationwide – working together in a seamless way to open up the arts to populations facing hurdles to the joy and benefits of these experiences. Designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors and support increased academic performance, Rush Education programs- Rush Little Kids, Rush Kids, Rush Teens and Rush Galleries in Schools– directly serve over 3,000 students annually. In addition, each year through our Rush Arts Galleries- Rush Arts Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan and Corridor Gallery in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn- exhibit the work of over 100 emerging and community-based artists; welcomes over 10,000 gallery visitors; and provides unique opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts.
See the photos from the benefit below:
BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – JULY 16: CEO of BET Debra Lee speaks on stage at Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 2016 ART FOR LIFE Benefit presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin at Fairview Farms on July 16, 2016 in Bridgehampton, New York. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Bombay Sapphire)
BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – JULY 16: Bombay Sapphire Gin on display at Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 2016 ART FOR LIFE Benefit presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin at Fairview Farms on July 16, 2016 in Bridgehampton, New York. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Bombay Sapphire)
BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – JULY 16: CEO of Rush Communications Russell Simmons, Tyrese Gibson, and guests attend Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 2016 ART FOR LIFE Benefit presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin at Fairview Farms on July 16, 2016 in Bridgehampton, New York. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Bombay Sapphire)
BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – JULY 16: (L-R) Jonathan Cheban, Nina Cooper, Russell Simmons, and Frank Cooper III attend Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 2016 ART FOR LIFE Benefit presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin at Fairview Farms on July 16, 2016 in Bridgehampton, New York. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Bombay Sapphire)
BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – JULY 16: Musical group Whodini performs onstage during Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 2016 ART FOR LIFE Benefit presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin at Fairview Farms on July 16, 2016 in Bridgehampton, New York. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Bombay Sapphire)
BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – JULY 16: Guests attend Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 2016 ART FOR LIFE Benefit presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin at Fairview Farms on July 16, 2016 in Bridgehampton, New York. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Bombay Sapphire)
