Russell Simmons Hosts Hamptons 'Art for Life' Gala

Russell Simmons and Tyrese Gibson

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (RPAF) raised $1.25 million at its annual ART FOR LIFE Benefit on July 16th at Fairview Farms in Bridgehampton, NY. Proceeds from ART FOR LIFE benefit the Foundation’s signature arts education and gallery programs, which have directly served tens of thousands of inner-city youth over the past 20 years. This year’s theme was “Back to the Future.”

Russell and Hill Harper

The private gala honored Soledad O’Brien, award-winning journalist; Star Jones, TV personality, lawyer and philanthropist; Frank Cooper III, CMO/CCO of BuzzFeed; James Cruz, President Bad Boy Management & Strategic Alliances; Suzanne de Passe, Co-Chair de Passe Jones Entertainment; Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks; Alex Waislitz, Founder & Chairman of the Thorney Investment Group Australia & Waislitz Family Foundation; and Artist Nari Ward for their support of the arts, career achievements, and overall commitment to our communities.

After dinner, six-time Grammy-nominated recording artist, producer and author Tyrese Gibson got the crowd on their feet with his chart-topping hits “Stay,” “Sweet Lady,” “How You Gonna Act Like That,” “Shame” and an impromptu song about the event. He then passed the mic to Doug E. Fresh for his performances of a medley of 1980s hip hop hits, followed by Whodini performing “Big Mouth,” “Friends,” Freaks Come Out at Night” and “One Love.” DJ M.O.S. kept the dance floor alive long into the night.

Angela Simmons and JoJo Simmons joined their uncles for the evening, making the event a true family celebration. Additional guests included Busta Rhymes, Gayle King, Katie Couric, Miri Ben-Ari, DJ Cassidy, James Lipton, Jeffrey Wright, Hill Harper, Bozoma Saint John, Michelle Collins, Bobbi MacKenzie and Jessica White.