Russell and Danny Simmons Star-Studded Gala for the Arts
The hip-hop mogul benefit gala supports youth arts programs in Miami and New York City
By Kenya N. Byrd
America’s youth desperately need a creative outlet. Thankfully, Russell Simmons and his brother Danny Simmons are the dynamic duo to provide it for them. As co-chairmen and co-founders of The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the siblings brought together a diverse group of celebrity friends, financial power brokers, athletes and socialites for the first annual The Art for Life Miami Beach Benefit Gala. Over the years, the brothers have hosted a total of eight fundraisers in the Hamptons and two in Palm Beach.
Russell’s girlfriend Porschla Coleman, his eldest daughter Ming Lee, Art for Life honoree Suze Orman, who participated in the auction and bought a 1-on-1 with Alonzo Mourning for her nephew, and Russell Simmons talk shop.
“We honored Suze Orman because she got on a plane and went to the hoods all over the country just to teach financial literacy,” says Russell. “She said, ‘I want to help. I have this valuable information and I want to share it.’”
