ARTist FOR LIFE: Russell Simmons, Rush Philanthropic July 5
On Saturday, June 25th I picked up my brother Gregory again and we head to the East Hampton home of Russell Simmons & Kimora Lee Simmons to attend an intimate invitation only "Art For Life Kick Off Your Shoes Kick Off Cocktails." This cocktail party was to serve as a precursor to the upcoming signature Hamptons Event the 2005 Art For Life East Hampton Garden Party Benefit also to be held on July 30, 2005 at the home of Russell & Kimora Lee Simmons. There is no question that this was an invitation that both Gregory and I were quite pleased to have accepted.
Upon arrival at the elegant but tastefully understated and comfortably decorated home of Mr. & Mrs. Simmons we were graciously greeted by Vanessa Rodriguez and Tangie Murray both of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation as well as Mr. Simmons. In my estimation, the man unquestionably deserves to be referred to a Mr. or Sir; from his humble roots in Hollis, Queens not far from where I was born (Jamaica Hopital) and raised in Queens to his position as the head of the hip hop movement in the United States and the free world combined with his significant philanthropic bent. When Gregory first introduced himself to “Mr. Simmonsâ€, he nodded his head and smiled at Gregory insisting that there was no need for such formality. Instantly we were at ease.
I admit to having been long curious of Russell Simmons the man. The man has achieved mythical status as a promoter, entrepreneur, producer and enabler of the artistic talents of so many in the hip hop community, not just in terms of music but also fashion and style. The careers of far too many to mention here have flourished as a result of his nurturing of their talents. Even though I had never personally met the man, I have known people directly and indirectly who have been touched by Russell Simmons. My friend Martha Gold, a licensed physical therapist who also happens to be the best massage therapist at the Russian Turkish Bathouse in the East Village advised me that Russell Simmons not only inspired her to pursue a yoga lifestyle but also to start a program teaching disabled children yoga in the New York City Schools working for the New York City Department of Education in the Bronx, see Yoga Wonderland.
The kick off began at 6:30 in the tranquil and immaculately landscaped setting of the Simmons backyard in East Hampton, much like a scene out of an old Americana Norman Rockwell painting; trees, grass, and a backyard swing over overlooking a modern Bonsai Garden pool area. The list of attendees included but was not limited to: Jason Binn, Lyor Cohen, Fred Davis, Star Jones Reynolds, Shamin Abas & and Frank Cilione, Michelle Farmer, David Negri of Sutka Productions, Frances Hayward, Mrs. And Mr. Frank Cooper, Michael and Annie Falk, Victor Matthews and Hedy Klineman, Teresa Savory and Javier Evans, JellyBean Benitez and Family, Kim Maitland, Jeff Burroughs, Mrs. and Mr. Craig Williams, Nancy Chemtob, Jenny Kroft, Chris and Alison Brown and Steve Kroft, Brett and Yvonna Wright and Family.
As the guests began to arrive, Gregory took some informal photos while I enjoyed the Coppola Diamond Sauvignon Blanc and Sofia Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine that was served with an eclectic array of delectable hors d’ouevres. Russell Simmons quiet energy was readily apparent as each guest gravitated towards and conferred with him. It was obvious how each guest was uniquely drawn to him and not merely because he was the host. Russell Simmons graciously made time for our photos. At approximately 7:45 when Mr. Simmons spoke to the attendees as a group about the mission of Rush Philanthropic and the upcoming Annual Art For Life Garden Party Benefit at the East Hampton home of Russell & Kimora Lee Simmons, there was an angelic, earnest, missionary like aura to him. There was no obligatory paying of attention to the host that you find at many charitable cocktail parties.
None of the adjectives used to describe Russell Simmons by the popular media (entrepreneur, promoter, producer, entertainment mogul, media baron etc.)encapsulate the quiet energy which radiates from the persona of this man. It is clearly evident that first and foremost this is a spiritual man with passion, conviction and integrity who has not forgotten where he came from. There is a synergy between his success as an entrepreneur molding, nurturing and promoting the talents of many in the hip hop community to utilizing his talents, skills and contacts to do the very same for the artistic talents of the younger generation in New York City Schools. Basically, Rush Philanthropic is a charity that makes sense; it is an extension of the man. Russell Simmons represents…. the best of what New York is all about; he is the kind of man you want and root to succeed in America. He is not just the heART and soul of hip hop movement but of capitalism itself.
The annual ART FOR LIFE Garden Party Benefit at the East Hampton home of Russell Simmons & Kimora Lee Simmons is Rush Philanthropic’s most important annual fundraising effort, attended annually by a sold out audience of more than 700 leaders in the entertainments, arts, business and philanthropic communities. Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to underrepresented artists and artists of color. While its primary emphasis is the arts, Rush Philanthropic is committed to the general well being of young people by considering a wide range of concerns. It was founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny, and Joseph Simmons and its Board of Directors includes leaders in the arts, education, entertainment, and business communities. Since its inception, Rush has provided grants to dozens of non-profit organizations, including Donor’s Choose, Impact Repertory Theatre, Urban Word NYC, Free Arts for Abused Children, Art Start, Studio in a School, Arts Connection, SHiNE, P.E.N.C.I.L., Jackie Robinson Steppers, Children’s Pressline, and the Northside Center for Child Development, and has served countless visual artists through the exhibitions and activities of Rush Arts Gallery and Resource Center.
ART FOR LIFE is Rush Philanthropic’s primary outreach to friends and supporters. Through this event, they are able to serve thousands of children by helping them acquire the skills needed to build a successful life.
As the party came to a close around 9 PM, Russell Simmons conversed with several of us in his driveway as his valets individually pulled our cars around. I was able to snap one more final picture of my brother, Manhattan Society.com photography editor, Gregory Partanio with Russell. Despite his success and high profile, Russell Simmons remains humble, accessible and earnest, a rare thing these days indeed for a man of his accomplishment; a born leader who does not intimidate but rather ingratiates with his humble style and sincere manner. We left. I dropped Gregory off at The Palm East Hampton to take the Hampton Jitney back to the city. I stayed the night and went to dinner at Nick & Toni’s with designer Michelle Farmer, Shamin Abas & Frank Cilione, and some of their friends, including the beautiful Salene Parnese and actress Holly Perkins. We enjoyed spirited dialogue, great food and a few more glasses of wine. The only thing missing was my friend Deborah Weiner who is now the Spa Director of the Heart of Palm Beach Hotel, without whom I never would have connected with this lovely group of people in the first instance.
Tickets to ART FOR LIFE start at $1,000 per person. For further information please contact Tangie Murray, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship at 212.997.3034 or tmurray@rushphilanthropic.org or Vanessa Rodriguez, Director of Special Events at 212.997.3020 or vrodriguez@rushphilanthropic.org