The Simmons family was out in full force at the 17th Annual ART FOR LIFE gala hosted by Russell and Danny Simmons’ RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation and sponsored by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin at Fairview Farms in the Hamptons.
As the official kick off to the 7th Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series program, Gayle King helped celebrate this year’s benefit with a crowd of 900 supporters, clad in ‘Back to the Future’ themed attire. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Foundation’s signature arts education and gallery programs, directly serving over 3,000 inner-city youth each year. Guests of the ultra-exclusive, star-studded event enjoyed a mid-summer soiree to support the commendable efforts of Russell and Danny’s RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Always a scene to be seen, cameras flashed on the red carpet as A-list celebrities, music artists, models and high profile personalities including: Bevy Smith, Star Jones, James Lipton, Bozoma Saint John, Dr. Lisa Strohman, Angela Simmons, Jojo Simmons, James Cruz, Soledad O’Brien, DJ Cassidy, Katie Couric, Jonathan Cheban, Jason Binn, and more posed for photo opps before heading into the tent for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Guests sipped artfully crafted BOMBAY SAPPHIRE pre-dinner cocktails created in honor of this year’s gala including the Raspberry Beret, Great Scott, and the Mc Fly throughout the evening.
As the cocktail hour transitioned to a luxe private vegan dinner (personally curated by Russell Simmons), Gayle King dazzled the crowd as the evening’s emcee where the event’s Honorary Chairs: Star Jones, Frank Cooper III, James Cruz, Debra L. Lee, Suzanne de Passe, Alex Waislitz and Featured Artist Nari Ward were recognized for their career achievements and philanthropic work. During the program, Russell Simmons spoke about the importance of supporting young artists and creativity within their education. After delivering poignant speeches speaking to their passion of art and the Foundation’s mission of engaging inner city youth through creativity, guests mingled and danced to the performances by DJ M.O.S., Tyrese Gibson, Doug E. Fresh, and Whodini to cap off the evening.
