ART FOR LIFE is Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s primary fundraising event and is held every year.  Soledad O’Brien hosted the star-studded event this year which honored Michael Bloomberg, Valentino D. Carlotti, Jason Flom, Kimora Lee Simmons and Featured Artist Carrie Mae Weems for their career achievements and philanthropic work.

The event’s Honorary Chair was Star Jones; and Event Chairs were Jamison Ernest, Kimberley Hatchett, Rhonda R. Mims, Camilla Olsson and Josue Sejour (The Sejour Group); with music by DJ M.O.S. Events sponsors include Gold Sponsor BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin and Bronze Sponsor Target.

This year’s benefit celebrates the gala’s “15” year milestone; highlighting youth that have grownup through our Rush programs, and honoring exemplary individuals who have supported the Foundation’s mission throughout the years.

This year’s coinciding ART FOR LIFE online auction via Charitybuzz launched on July 17th and will run through August 7th. Highlights include: Dinner with Miss Universe Gabriela Isler, Be a Roadie for a day with John Legend, Meet and Greets with Heidi Klum, Michael Strahan and more!

Proceeds from ART FOR LIFE benefit the Foundation’s signature arts education and gallery programs, which directly serve over 3,000 inner-city youth each year. Founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing inner-city youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to under-represented and emerging artists.

For more information, visit www.rushphilanthropic.org