The 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala took place on July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, New York at Russell Simmons’ estate and was hosted by CNN anchor 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.
(L-R) Tracy Edmonds, Tracey Mourning, Gayle King, Erica Reid, Soledad O’Brien
(L-R) Gayle King, Tom Joyner, Donna Richardson-Joyner
(R-L) Russell Simmons, Sean Diddy Combs, and his mother, Janice Combs
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.
Russell Simmons and Aretha Franklin
Tamia Hill and Grant Hill
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.
Source: Special Event: Russell Simmons, Brothers, Hold Ninth Annual Art For Life East Hampton Benefit Gala
Top photo: Russell Simmons and Porschla Coleman
Photo credit: WireImage
Russell Simmons and New York Governor David A. Paterson
Russelll Simmons and Julissa Bermudez
Deborah Roberts and Al Roker
Porschla Coleman
Ming Simmons Aoki Lee Simmons
