Russell Simmons and The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation announced today that the third annual Art For Life Palm Beach benefit gala raised more than $600,000 to provide disadvantaged youth in New York City and Palm Beach County with access to the arts.
The gala too place on Mar. 17 at the oceanfront estate Casa Vita Serena in Palm Beach, FL.
NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning, his wife Tracy, Grammy winning rapper Ludacris and Jones New York founder and philanthropist Rena Rowan Damone were honored for their efforts in helping support the arts, as well as improving the lives of others.
“The party was over the top and the best party of the year in Palm Beach,” said Angie MacNamara, event chair for Art For Life. “We were very lucky, with the help of a great team, to raise that much money in Palm Beach to help kids.”
More than 500 guests attended the Anheuser-Busch and Walmart sponsored event.
This year’s host committee consisted of Joseph “Rev. Run” and Justine Simmons of MTV’s “Run’s House,” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his wife Dany, NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal with his wife, Shaunie, Grammy nominated songwriter Denise Rich, Peter and Stephanie Brant, Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Al and Nancy Malnik.
The proceeds will benefit programs that serve disadvantaged youth in Palm Beach County and New York.
By Sam Frank