Russell Simmons Hosts 15th Annual Art For Life Benefit in Bridgehampton
Brothers Russell and Danny Simmons will host the 15th Annual Art For Life Benefit for the Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation. The star-studded event returns to Bridgehampton this year at Fairview Farms (19 Horsemill Lane) on Saturday, July 26.
The list of celebrities expected to attend this typically star-studded event includes emcee Soledad O’Brien and honorary chair Star Jones, while former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, Valentino D. Carlotti, Jason Flom and Kimora Lee Simmons will attend as honorees for their philanthropic work.
Guests may arrive at 6 p.m. for cocktails, followed by the formal dinner and program at 7 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ M.O.S.
The Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation, founded in 1995 by the Simmons brothers, focuses on increasing opportunities for inner-city kids to participate in the arts. Each year, over 3,000 kids are helped, as well as numerous emerging artists who are provided with exhibition spaces to increase their exposure.
Since 2000, the Art For Life Benefit has been a major fundraising effort for the foundation, bringing in millions each year. This year, to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the benefit will spotlight successful adults who were helped by the foundation as kids.
A corresponding online auction via Charitybuzz will run from July 17 – August 7. Items up for auction include meet and greets with Heidi Klum and Michael Strahan, a day with John Legend and dinner with Miss Universe Gabriela Isler.
Other auctions affiliated with Art for Life will run August 27 – September 17 online and live at Christie’s NYC on September 8. Lots up for bid include art from 2014 AFL featured artist Carrie Mae Weems, as well as past featured artist winners. Prince Charles and Yoko Ono will also have works at the live Christie’s NYC auction.
Individual tickets for the benefit are $1,500 with tables starting at $15,000 each. They can be purchased at rushphilanthropic.org/artforlife, via email at [email protected] or by calling Tracey Doolin at 212-254-6677.