Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (RPAF) has announced the honorees for the 2017 ART FOR LIFE Benefit on July 15th at Fairview Farms in Bridgehampton, NY.
RPAF which is dedicated to providing underserved inner city youth with significant exposure to the arts, as well as developing and supporting under-represented artists will honor Former President Consumer Beauty Division, Coty Inc., Esi Eggleston Bracey; rapper, author and producer, Chuck D; Chief Brand Officer, Uber, Bozoma Saint John and 2017 Featured Artist, Sanford Biggers for their support of the arts, career achievements, and overall commitment to our communities.
Hosted by Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons, guests will experience a night of fantasy opulence, magic and wonder at the “Midnight at the Oasis” themed private event which will feature a special performance by multiple award winning artist and actress, Cynthia Erivo. Honorary Chairs include Xin Li and Lyor Cohen. Event Chairs include Shannon Curtin, Kimberley Hatchett, Kelli Richardson Lawson, and Racquel Oden. Luxury Auction Chairs include Coppy Holzman, Chloe Flower, and Camilla Olsson. Art For Life Art Auction Chairs include Franklin Sirmans and Andrea Fiuczynski. This year’s benefit is supported by sponsor Merrill Lynch, online charity partner CharityBuzz and many more! This year’s media partners include Artsy, Hamptons Magazine, and Hamptons.com.
Past honorees and supporters have included Soledad O'Brien, Star Jones, Frank Cooper III, Debra L. Lee, Alex Waislitz, Nari Ward, Ava DuVernay, Dave Chappelle, Simon & Michaela de Pury, Michael Bloomberg, Kimora Lee Simmons, Tyler Perry, Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey, Grant and Tamia Hill, Mary J. Blige, Edward Norton, Tamara Mellon, Oprah, President Bill Clinton, Will Smith, Deepak Chopra, Martha Stewart, Kelly Ripa, Ruby Dee, Jamie Foxx, LA & Erica Reid, Swizz Beatz, Vanessa Williams, Christy Turlington Burns, Patrice and Precious Motsepe of African Rainbow Minerals, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Rachel Roy, Tim Gunn, Forest Whitaker, Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, Donna Karan, Susan Sarandon, Magic Johnson, Shepard Fairey, Alec Baldwin, Anna Wintour, Jerry Seinfeld, Arianna Huffington, LL Cool J, Billy Joel, Jay-Z, Coldplay, Gayle King, Alicia Keys, Sean “Diddy” Combs, John Legend, Gordon Parks, and Tommy Hilfiger among others.
This year’s Art For Life will again feature a coinciding Art For Life online auction via Charitybuzz launching on July 13th to support and bid please visit charitybuzz.com/artforlife.
Proceeds from ART FOR LIFE benefit the Foundation’s signature arts education and gallery programs, which have directly served tens of thousands of inner-city youth over the past 21 years.
For additional information or to purchase tickets for 2017 ART FOR LIFE, click here.
