Launched in 2000, Art for Life is the primary fundraising event of Russell Simmons’s Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation. This year’s benefit, held this past Saturday in the Hamptons, celebrated the gala’s 15-year milestone—highlighting youth who’ve grown up through Rush programs, and honoring exemplary individuals who’ve supported the Foundation’s mission throughout the years. Attendees included performers Doug E. Fresh and Kurtis Blow, former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, Thelma Golden of The Studio Museum of Harlem, rapper Rick Ross and many 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, the 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.