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July 21st, 2008 at 12:34 pm

Photos: 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala 7-19-08

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Russell Simmons and Porschla Coleman

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.

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Tracy Rdmonds Tracey Mourning Gayle King Erica Reid Soledad O'Brien

(L-R) Tracy Edmonds, Tracey Mourning, Gayle King, Erica Reid, Soledad O’Brien

9th Annal Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Gayle King, Tom Joyner, Donna Richardson-Joyner

(L-R) Gayle King, Tom Joyner, Donna Richardson-Joyner

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Russell Simmons, Sean Diddy Combs, Janice Combs

(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.

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Russell Simmons and Aretha Franklin

 Russell Simmons and Aretha Franklin

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Tamia Hill and Grant Hill

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

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Russell Simmons and New York Governor David A. Paterson

Russell Simmons and New York Governor David A. Paterson

9th Annal Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Russel Simmons and Julissa Bermudez

Russelll Simmons and Julissa Bermudez

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Deborah Roberts and Al Roker

Deborah Roberts and Al Roker

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Porschla Coleman

Porschla Coleman

9th Annual Art for Life Benefit Gala 2008, Ming Simmons Aoki Lee Simmons

Ming Simmons Aoki Lee Simmons

Photos: 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala 7-19-08



 

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