Russell Simmons and Family to Host 13th Annual Art For Life Benefit

Building on its theme of promoting arts education and gallery programs, Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation will hold its 13th annual Art For Life event July 28 at Simmons’ East Hampton, N.Y. estate.

Each year, the Art For Life event raises more than one million dollars for art education and gallery programs, and this year, event organizers expect the same level of support.

Launched in 2000 by Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, and founded by Simmons, and his brothers, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, Art For Life is the organization’s primary fundraising outreach to friends and supporters.

This year’s event will honor entertainers Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, Betsy Z. Cohen, CEO, Bancorp, Inc.; Tamia and Grant Hill, Tamia and Grant Hill Foundation and Marc J. Leder, Co-CEO, Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

Kimora Lee Simmons will serve as Honorary Chair for the event, with Frank Cooper, Chief Marketing Officer, Sparkling Beverages at PepsiCo, and wife, Nina Cooper, serving as Event Chairs. Additional Event Chairs include Rick Davidson, and Bobby and Jill Zarin from Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York. Lucille Blair and Alberto Mugrabi will serve as chairs of the Art Auction.

Guests will also be treated to performances by R&B legend Anita Baker, hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa and Diggy Simmons.

More 2,300 students benefit from the funds raised through the Art For Life event and auction, which is the primary motivation for the commitment by the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and its supporters.

For more information about Art For Life visit the Rush Philantrophic Arts Foundation website RushPhilanthropic.Org.