Rush Philanthropic Readies For Dreamy Art For Life Benefit In The Hamptons

While the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is raising money for inner-city youth art programming at their annual Art For Life fundraiser in the Hamptons, there is a definite, dreamy-hued vision of peacock green, aquamarine and amethyst for its 14th annual benefit.

At this year’s benefit, set to take place on Saturday, July 27th at Fairview Farms in Bridgehampton, guests can expect another accommodating fundraiser for children’s art programs in a new locale-inspired benefit including food, attire and amenities.

“I came up with an idea of a field of dreams,” said executive producer of the evening Ronnie Davis, of the theme- A Field of Dreams. “What we do is try to create dreams for children and that’s the title for this year’s event.”

As guests raise money for Rush Philanthropic, a foundation founded by Danny Simmons, Russell Simmons and Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons after their profound experience with the arts as kids, they will be garbed in peacock green, aquamarine and amethyst attire- the dress encouraged for the evening in the field of dreams.

Soledad O’Brien emcees the evening. (Photo: Rob Rich/ SocietyAllure.com)

While guests are donned in dream-attire, Davis said that he felt the fundraiser needed to be accommodating because of the event’s founder, Russell Simmons who has been following a vegan diet for the past year, a choice that is reflected in the menu. While there is a choice of chilled poached salmon, chicken roulade or red wine braised awaiting guests, vegans can also choose from fingerling potatoes and summer vegetable pasta. There are also options for kosher and gluten-free diners.

Unlike previous years, this is the first year that the fundraiser is not at Simmons’ Hamptons home. Having sold it this past year, Davis had to construct a completely new set-up while being respectful to local village laws. Because there is no parking in the immediate area, guests will valet park at Fairview Farms and then be shuttled over to the eight-tent complex ready to host 780 guests.

“We had to think of the logistics of moving this many people,” Davis said. “We’re trying to respect environment and not create too much of impact.”

In addition to the valet and shuttle service, Davis and his team have also brought in a plumbing system for bathrooms and a wireless connection. Guests will be able to bid on items during the live auction and pay on their credit card.

After the hor d’oeurves, served on recyclable acrylic, guests will move into the main event. Davis will cue host CNN’s Soledad O’Brien who will start the ceremony and present awards to the guests of honor which include Demarest Films’ President/ Artistic Director Anne Pasternak, CEO Sam Englebardt and Chairman William D. Johnson; Novelist Walter Mosley and Filmmaker/ Philanthropist Tyler Perry. There will also be performances from Estelle, Maxwell and Rick Ross.

Davis has been the executive producer of the annual benefit, an event that his company plans without cost.

“If we’re able to put a couple of million dollars for art for children, it’s positive and only positive,” he said. “There’s nothing negative about this event… This is the stuff I hope I never get tired of doing.”

For more information about Rush Philanthropic, visit them online at www.rushphilanthropic.org.