Russell Simmons' Art For Life Hamptons Gala in Bridgehampton
Russell Simmons’ 14th Annual Art For Life Hamptons Gala on Saturday, July 27 is shaping up to be the most star-studded affair of the summer.
The event was created in support of Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which is dedicated to helping inner-city youth with exposure and access to the arts, including offering exhibition opportunities for emerging and unrepresented artists since 1995.
Before even mentioning the celebrity guest list, Art For Life has confirmed host Soledad O’Brien, performances by Estelle, Maxwell and Rick Ross, and event Honorary Chairs Star Jones and Michael Strahan.
Art For Life’s Hamptons Gala Honorees include filmmaker and philanthropist Tyler Perry, novelist Walter Mosley, President and Artistic Director of Creative Time Anne Pasternak and Demarest Films co-founders Sam Englebardt and William D Johnson.
Photographer Rashid Johnson is this year’s featured artist.
Guests will have an opportunity to bid in an online auction for one-of-a-kind items and experiences—63 lots in all—including going to dinner and an L.A. Dodgers game with Magic Johnson, a custom-made Summer Roses in the Hamptons Nkiru Timepiece from Steven Richardson (valued at $48,000), lunch with Sarah Jessica Parker in NYC, a meeting with Robin Thicke and the chance to be a roadie for the day at a concert of your choice, meeting Ice-T, LL Cool J, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland or John Legend, a one-week internship at Simmons’ All Def Digital in Los Angeles, a passing lesson with Jets quarterback Geno Smitha, signed Billy Joel albums, a signed typewriter from Tom Hanks’ personal collection, a one-week stay at actress/model Patricia Velasquez’s private home on Margarita Island, Venezuela and so much more!
Along with some of those already named, last year’s 2012 Art For Life Hamptons Gala attracted a host of celebs, such as Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey, Babyface, L.A. Reid, Jill Zarin, Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, artist Danny Simmons and Grant Hill, to name a few.
In years past, the Art For Life Hamptons Gala has been held at Simmons’ East Hampton home, but the mogul recently sold the property and has moved the party to Fairview Farms in Bridgehampton.
Visit rushphilanthropic.org to find out more and bid on auction items.