Just a week ago we chatted with GRAMMY winning singer Usher who’s New Look Foundtaion is 14 years old this year. Looks like 14 is the lucky number in giving this year. Russell Simmons & Danny Simmons joined forces over the weekend to host the 14th Annual ART FOR LIFE Benefit and raised $1.5 million and counting for their Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation in the Hamptons. Queues, “Tonight we’re gonna party like it’s 1999! This year’s event, held at Fairview Farms, took on an inspiration theme – A Field of Dreams – and celebrated the creative energy of New York City youth and honored individuals in the community for their career achievements and philanthropic work.
This year’s honorees included Samuel Englebardt and William D. Johnson of Demarest Films, Anne Pasternak of Creative Time, writer Walter Mosley, and Filmmaker Tyler Perry. CNN’s Soledad O’Brien hosted the evening, which featured a Rush Kids Auction hosted by actor Anthony Anderson and special performances by Estelle, Rick Ross and Maxwell as well as a surprise performance by Doug E. Fresh. Guests included Angela Simmons, Michael Strahan, Nicole Murphy, Rev. Al Sharpton, Star Jones, Skylar Diggins, Olivia Culpo, Nana Meriwether, Melanie Fiona, Tahiry Jose, Jill Zarin, Kevin Liles, Chloe Flower, Flaviana Matata, Angela Martini and more.
This year’s featured artist was renowned artist and photographer Rashid Johnson. Designer Roberto Cavalli provided linens, created especially for ART FOR LIFE, in a vibrant patchwork of prints to compliment the event’s Field of Dreams theme.
This year’s online Charitybuzz auction launched on July 17th and will run through August 7th on www.Charitybuzz.com/AFL2013. Highlights include priceless experiences such as dinner with Magic Johnson and five friends, a walk-on role in Tyler Perry’s next feature film, 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. Wow, I would love to win that, what a prize package, sending my congrats to the Simmons on 14th years of giving back from BCG! Do check out all the photos below.
