Photo Diary: Russell Simmons’s 9th Annual Art for Life fundraiser

One of the highlights of the New York summer social scene is Russell Simmon’s annual Art for Life at his East Hampton Estate. A who’s who of the music industry, society and artsy types, Art for Life is a go-to event. On July 19, Aretha Franklin, Sean “Diddy” Combs and his mother Janice Combs, Gayle King, Tracy Edmonds, Lyor Cohen, Tom Joyner, Padma Lakshmi, AJ Calloway, Al Roker and L.A. Reid all came out to support the creative cause.

In it’s ninth year, the cocktail party and awards dinner benefits Rush Philanthropic. The organization, founded by Simmons and his brothers Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run,” provides disadvantaged urban youth exposure to the arts, supports up-and-coming artist of color and gives grants to some 50 non-profit groups nationwide.

Rush raised a whopping $1.5 million this year, breaking its own record, even in these economically challenging times. People truly came out and supported! As a result, there will be more money for the over 50 youth programs Rush supports, as well as Rush’s own programs.

This year’s theme was a Midsummer’s Night Dream and on this balmy July evening, Simmons did not disappoint. The color scheme was purple and many women dressed to impress under the huge pitched tent in the backyard while DJ M.O.S. rocked the crowd to old-school classics.

This year CNN’s Soledad O’Brien hosted Art for Life. The Honorary Chairpersons were Grant and Tamia Hill. Director Brett Ratner and super model Christy Turlington Burns were a few of the honorees. The evening was filled with food, a high-priced auction and giant lit-up butterflies. Now that is glitz, glamour and good cause.

For more information, check out rushphilanthropic.org

In it’s ninth year, the cocktail party and awards dinner benefits Rush Philanthropic. The organization, founded by Simmons and his brothers Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run,” provides disadvantaged urban youth exposure to the arts, supports up-and-coming artist of color and gives grants to some 50 non-profit groups nationwide.

Rush raised a whopping $1.5 million this year, breaking its own record, even in these economically challenging times. People truly came out and supported! As a result, there will be more money for the over 50 youth programs Rush supports, as well as Rush’s own programs.

This year’s theme was a Midsummer’s Night Dream and on this balmy July evening, Simmons did not disappoint. The color scheme was purple and many women dressed to impress under the huge pitched tent in the backyard while DJ M.O.S. rocked the crowd to old-school classics.

This year CNN’s Soledad O’Brien hosted Art for Life. The Honorary Chairpersons were Grant and Tamia Hill. Director Brett Ratner and super model Christy Turlington Burns were a few of the honorees. The evening was filled with food, a high-priced auction and giant lit-up butterflies. Now that is glitz, glamour and good cause.

For more information, check out rushphilanthropic.org