Hip-Hop Meets the Hamptons at 2013 Art For Life Benefit

Art For Life-where the Hamptons meets hip-hop- was held once again recently, continuing its tradition of raising a significant amount of money for inner city art programs, while honoring those who are committed to the arts.

For the 14^th installment of Art For Life, which was themed “A Field of Dreams” and held at Bridgehampton N.Y.’s Fairview Farms, filmmaker Tyler Perry, artistic director Anne Pasternak, author Walter Mosley, and film producers Sam Englebardt and William D. Johnson of Demarest films were honored for their contributions to society. Contemporary artist Rashid Jones was the featured artist for the evening.

Overall, the benefit and live auction raised more than $1.5 million for Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Foundation, which is dedicated to providing inner-city youth with significant exposure and access to the arts. The fundraising amount includes a $150,000 donation from Kimora Lee Simmons.

During the awards presentation, each honoree took a moment to reflect on their journey and commitment to the arts. “To know that Rush Philanthropic and this great organization is able to do for so many children you have no idea how much hope is given,” Tyler Perry said.

Hosted by Soledad O’Brien of HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel and an Al Jazeera America special correspondent, Art For Life again featured a mix corporate executive, the fashion industry, socialites, athletes and celebrities, including actor comedian Anthony Anderson, singer Melanie Fiona, the Rev. Al Sharpton, actress Tichina Arnold, Star Jones, BET CEO Debra Lee, TV personality Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy, star of VH1’s Hollywood Exs.

To tie a bow on the evening, attendees were treated to special performances from Estelle, Doug E. Fresh, Maxwell and Rick Ross, who breezed through samples of his biggest hits including “B.M.F., and “Diced Pineapples.”

For those who missed out on the event, there’s still a way to participate in the Art For Life experience. Rush Philanthropic is hosting an online charity auction at CharityBuzz.com until August 7.

There you can bid on several unique experiences, including a walk-on role in an upcoming Tyler Perry production, a VIP package with the band One Direction, lunch with Sarah Jessica Parker, a day on tour with musician Robin Thicke, and a meet-and-greet with Ice-T on the set of Law & Order SVU.

Exclusive Human Nature video below

Tyler Perry Accepting His Honor

Rick Ross Performs B.M.F.

Maxwell Perfoms “Ascension” at 2013 Art For Life