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Russell Simmons communicates with guests at the 17th Annual Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Gala in Bridgehampton.
Russell and Danny Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a valuable supporter of arts education for inner city youth, held it’s annual star-studded gala on July 16 in at Fairview Farms, Bridgehampton, Long Island.
More than 900 guests were on hand as the organization honored a wide array of personalities in the arts for their significant career achievements and compelling philanthropic work.
“Art saves lives, it is that simple,” according to a Foundation spokesman.
“Rush believes that if you give young people the opportunity to practice and appreciate art — whether poetry, music, dance, or the visual arts — then you will see lives transformed as young people learn to value their own unique voices and visions.”
The Foundation celebrate its 21st Anniversary and the event marked the 17th Annual ART FOR LIFE Hamptons Benefit — its primary fundraising initiative for friends and supporters.
“The Rush Foundation brings significant and important support to people who have made contributions to the world of the arts, but need assistance to help them make their mark,” said celebrated New York pioneer in integrated medicine, Dr. Richard Firshein who attended with his son, Harrison.
Harrison and dad, Dr. Richard Firshien at the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s annual fundraising gala.
Among those honored for these kinds of contributions were such luminaries as attorney Star Jones, writer and Dean Emeritus of Pace University’s Actors Studio Drama School, James Lipton, former anchor Katie Couric, and fellow television journalist, Soledad O’Brien.
The evening was sponsored by Bombay Sapphire gin, and also served as a kick off to the 7th Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series program, which will select a winning artist to create public mural installation next spring.
“This kind of event is critical for the nurturing of underrepresented talent,” said Dr. Firshein. “It’s an honor to support it.”