EAST HAMPTON-JULY 18: Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at Russell Simmons' East Hampton Estate, East Hampton, New York. Brothers Russell, Danny, and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons celebrated Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 10th Anniversary ART FOR LIFE East Hampton Benefit hosted by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien. The evening celebrated the creative energy of New York City youth and honor exemplary individuals in the community for their career achievements and philanthropic works. 2009 Honorees included actress Vanessa Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Salamander Hospitality and co-founder of BET Sheila C. Johnson and Target. The events Featured Artist is Shepard Fairey, widely known for his iconic Obama HOPE image. Event Chairs included John Bartlett, Allison and Chip Brady, Tim Gunn, Stephen Hill, Donna Karan, Susan Taylor and David Tisch. Simon de Pury of Phillips de Pury & Co., served as the evening’s Auctioneer with music by DJ M.O.S. Other guests of the evening included; Vanessa and Angela Simmons, Law & Order SUV’s Tamara Tunie and Real Housewives of New York Jill Zarin, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Countess Luann De Lesseps and Kevin Liles. Launched in 2000, ART FOR LIFE East Hampton is Rush Philanthropic's primary fundraising outreach to friends and supporters. Funds raised through ART FOR LIFE will provide support for many projects throughout the year dedicated to reaching out to New York City youth through the arts. In 2005, Rush Philanthropic expanded its ART FOR LIFE franchise with the first ART FOR LIFE Palm Beach and in 2008 introduced ART FOR LIFE Miami Beach. Outside of providing funding for Rush Philanthropic’s core programs, proceeds from ART FOR LIFE East Hampton and ART FOR LIFE Miami Beach also provide direct funding to nonprofit arts and education organizations throughout New York City and South Florida. Together, ART FOR LIFE East Hampton 2008 and ART FOR LIFE Miami Beach cumulatively raised more than $2 million in 2008. The annual gala takes on a life of its own with its featured theme and color scheme each year. This year, ART FOR LIFE East Hampton evoked the romance and glamour of Old Hollywood. Classic black and white films were the romantic inspiration for the décor masterfully planned by Sutka Productions International, Inc. PHOTO CREDIT: Copyright © 2009 Manhattan Society.com by Gregory Partanio | tel:718.614.7740 | e-mail: PrinceGregory@manhattansociety.com*************************More Photos & ID's Coming Shortly***************************