 ALUMNI NEWS
The professional accomplishments of our YoungArts alumni serve as a testament to the mission of NFAA and inspire us to continue to work with young
artists to help them foster their dreams. Every day our alumni are out there, working towards their goals and sharing their great gifts with others.
Internationally renowned visual artist Kevin Berlin is a 1983 YoungArts alum and Presidential Scholar in the Arts. A Yale graduate, Berlin has had
a successful career as a visual artist; his work appears in galleries and private collections around the world, including those of Jimmy Carter, Bill and Hillary Clinton,
Quincy Jones, David Letterman and Luciano Pavarotti, to name a few. Berlin remains involved in supporting the arts, through his continuous support of the YoungArts program,
and Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, amongst others. Berlin was present at Rush Philanthropic’s 10th Anniversary of Art For Life event in East Hampton in July. Another
YoungArts alum, acclaimed actress Vanessa Williams, was honored at the event for her career accomplishments and dedication to philanthropy. Details and photos below.
RUSSELL SIMMONS AND DANNY SIMMONS CELEBRATED 10th ANNIVERSARY OF ART FOR LIFE EAST HAMPTON RAISING $1 MILLION FOR RUSH PHILANTHROPIC ARTS FOUNDATION
Brothers Russell, Danny, and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons celebrated Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 10thAnniversary ART FOR LIFE East Hampton Benefit, on
Saturday, July 18th, which raised nearly $1 million. The gala, held at the private East Hampton Estate of Russell Simmons, was hosted by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien and celebrated the creative
energy of New York City youth. The evening also paid tribute to exemplary individuals in the community for their career achievements and philanthropic works. The 2009 Honorees included
actress Vanessa Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Salamander Hospitality and co-founder of BET Sheila C. Johnson and Target. This year’s Featured Artist was Shepard Fairey, widely known
for his iconic Obama HOPE image. Event Chairsincluded John Bartlett, Allison and Chip Brady, Tim Gunn, Stephen Hill, Donna Karan, Susan Taylor and David Tisch. Simon de Pury of Phillips de
Pury & Co. served as the evening’s Auctioneer with music by DJ M.O.S. Star Jones led this year’s Rush Kids Auction where ART FOR LIFE guests pledged to sponsor a child for a year of Rush
Education Programming. 112 kids were sponsored on Saturday night with pledges from many notable guests such as Gayle King, Kevin Liles, Event Chair Donna Karan Honoree Sheila C. Johnson and
Russell himself, to name a few. Other guests of the evening included; Kyle MacLachlan (Desperate Housewives) & Desiree Gruber (ProducerProject Runway), Jill Zarin & Countess Luann De Lesseps
(Real Housewives of New York), Angela, Diggy, Russy& Justin Simmons, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Patricia Velasquez, Cheetah Girls Adrienne Bailon Tila Tequila, The Wire’sJamie Hector, Eric B. and New York
Governor David A. Paterson.
Launched in 2000, ART FOR LIFE East Hampton is Rush Philanthropic’s primary fundraising outreach to friends and supporters. Funds raised through ART FOR LIFE will provide support for many
projects throughout the year dedicated to reaching out to New York City youth through the arts. In 2005, Rush Philanthropic expanded its ART FOR LIFE franchise with the first ART FOR LIFE
Palm Beach and in 2008 introduced ART FOR LIFE Miami Beach. Outside of providing funding for Rush Philanthropic’s core programs, proceeds from ART FOR LIFE East Hampton and ART FOR LIFE Miami Beach
also provide direct funding to nonprofit arts and education organizations throughout New York City and South Florida.
YoungArts alum and honored guest, Vanessa Williams (YoungArts Winner in Theater, 1982) and Kevin Berlin (YoungArts Winner in Visual Arts, Presidential Scholar, 1983)
Kevin Berlin and New York Governor David A. Paterson
Vanessa Williams receiving her award
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