Last night Russell Simmons celebrated his 12th annual Art For Life Benefit at his East Hampton estate with family and friends. Russell’s adorable daughter Ming Lee and Aoki Lee Simmons showed love and support for their daddy along with the rest of their family including their mother, the fabulous Kimora Lee Simmons and her hubby Djimon Hounsou and their son, Kenzo. Rev Run attended with his beautiful wife, Justine, Angela Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, little Miley Simmons and Russie who is looking more and more like his father everyday.
Celebrity guests includedLaLa Vazquez, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Liles, Jessica White and Edward Norton among many others.
Russell is known for his charity work among a number of other things but Art For Life is Rush Philanthropic‘s primary annual fundraising event which is dedicated to reaching out to NYC youth through the arts, a cause that is so extremely important for kids right now. Russell founded Art For Life with his brother Danny Simmons who as an artist knows the importance of art, especially for kids.
The fundraising gala was hosted by Soledad O’Brien with Star Jones as the auctioneer. The event honored superstar Mary J. Blige, President of JP Morgan Chase Foundation Kimberly B. Davis, world-renowned nutritionist and author Oz Garcia, co-founder of Jimmy Choo Tamara Mellon and actor/filmmaker Edward Norton for their career achievements and philanthropic works. Guests were also entertained with a performance by the talented Jennifer Hudson. DJ M.O.S. set the vibe for the crowd which by the decorations you can tell is extremely Zen.
The 12th annual Art For Life Benefit was a huge success! Check out the photos from the event!
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Russell, Rev Run and family attend last night’s event.
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Kimora looks amazing in a curve-hugging leopard print dress with Mary J. Blige, L.A Reid and his wife, Erica Reid.
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Kimora and hubby Djimon give their adorable Kenzo love, and he gives it right back!
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Brothers Rev Run, Danny Simmons and Russell Simmons.
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Soledad O’Brien, Tangie Murray, Danny Simmons, Mary J. Blige, Kimberly B. Davis, Tamara Mellon, Oz Garcia, Edward Norton and Russell Simmons on stage at last night’s event.
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LaLa served as an event chair at last night’s event.
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Taraji P. Henson smiles for the camera.
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Djimon poses with the kids.
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Kevin Liles smiles with Star Jones, auctioneer of last night’s event.
Jessica White looks beautiful, as expected, at last night’s event.
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Angela and Vanessa pose with Rev Run and Justin Simmons.
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Jennifer Hudson smiles with Danny Simmons, co-founder of Art For Life.
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Jennifer Hudson performs for guests.
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Mary J. Blige and Taraji P. Henson looked gorgeous at last night’s event.
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Jennifer Hudson and Russell Simmons hang at last night’s event.
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Russell hangs with L.A. Reid and Kendu Isaacs.
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Model Jaslene Gonzalez worked the red carpet for Global Grind and smiles with Beverly Smith.
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Soledad O’Brien looks pretty in pink at last night’s event.
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Ed Norton attends last night’s event.
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Dr. Oz was honored at last night’s event.
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Russell hangs with Jennifer Esposito.
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Soledad O’Brien hosted last night’s event.
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The atmosphere of last night’s event was extremely Zen.
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Another photo showing you the atmosphere at last night’s event.
