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As we begin 2009, it is more than appropriate to reaffirm the value, effectiveness and positive impact of giving.

Having an optimistic consciousness and concern for the goodwill of all people today is a healthy antidote to the pessimism that too often pervades public policy and discourse.  When there is so much need at a time when the global economy is in a crisis, there may be a tendency to under estimate the importance of giving to help others help themselves across America and throughout the world.

That is precisely why I want to begin this New Year with an enthusiastic review and projection of the benefits that we have experienced from giving back to people and communities.

The four non-profit organizations that I devote time, resources and energy to are: Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (RPAF),  Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF), Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU), and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN).

Rush Philanthropic’s ART FOR LIFE 2008 summer fundraiser in East Hampton had a record success in raising more than $1.5 million to help fund art education programs. Our Rush Arts Gallery and Corridor Gallery both received a New York City ‘Mayor’s Award for Arts & Culture.’  The Rush Kids/Rush Teens year-around education program is serving more and more young people in the study and practice of contemporary art.  Rush Kids have also participated in art collaboration projects with young artists from England, South Africa, and China.

In 2009 Rush Education Programs will continue to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors, and support increased academic performance. The Rush Arts and Corridor Galleries will expand their emerging artists exhibition opportunities to encourage the career development of young new artists. Our newest environmental partner will be the Council on the Environment of New York City, helping us to expand upon our environmentally conscious arts programming.

We know that art truly helps to save lives and so we will also engage the new Obama Administration to increase the national dialogue around the importance of art education and encouraging creativity among all our youth.

The mission of the Diamond Empowerment Fund is to support educational initiatives that develop and empower people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. 2008 marked DEF’s second year of success in raising money to support our first named beneficiary, CIDA City Campus, a fully accredited college in Johannesburg, South Africa, that has been recognized as an effective institutional model for higher education in Africa.

We raised $900,000 to seed the establishment of DEF and to make grants to CIDA’s Endowment to ensure long-term sustainability of Africa’s only tuition-free college.

In our trips to South Africa and to Botswana, we saw first hand how the diamond and jewelry industries contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of African people and communities.  DEF is helping the industry to give back to Africa particularly through the support of expanding educational and training opportunities.

More celebrities are now wearing the Simmons Jewelry Company’s ‘Green Bracelet’ that is sold as a fundraiser that contributes directly back to Africa through DEF.  Sales of the Green Bracelet’ this year have increased more than 10%, even during a tough retail climate. In 2009 we will sell more bracelets and give back more.

On the eve of our 20th anniversary, The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding(FFEU) continues to successfully broadcast its message of understanding and tolerance in strengthening ethnic relations across the United States and throughout the