

Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary at the 16th annual Art For Life charity event yesterday. And celebs flocked to the occasion in their Roaring 20s gear to celebrate. Peep the pics inside….
Russell Simmons brought his gorgeous daughters Aoki Lee and Ming Lee along as his dates for his Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (founded with his brothers Danny Simmons & Rev. Run) 20th anniversary celebration. The foundation celebrated its anniversary at the 16th annual Art For Life Benefit at Fairview Farms in Water Mill yesterday with a Roaring 20s theme.
The star-studded event raised funds for arts in schools and other programs that benefit children and emerging artists.
Making it a family affair, the Hip Hop mogul invited a few of his family members to the event as well. His nephew Russell "Russy" Simmons II came out to support looking dapper as ever. Little Russy is turning into a handsome young man.
Russell’s niece Angela Simmons kept with the Roaring 20s theme channeling a flapper girl in a Jovani Fashions custom dress and Casa Reale jewels. She finished her look with a pair of purple pumps and a cigarette holder prop. The fashionista was on hand to host the evening's ceremony.
Gorge.
Angie’s brother JoJo Simmons was also in the mix snapping it up with his younger brother Russy before getting to his hosting duties with his big sister.
R&B songstress Elle Varner was a breath of fresh air in an all white suit.
The “Don’t Wanna Dance” singer was all smiles on the carpet alongside former Def Jam A&R Jojo Brim and music exec Kevin Liles.
Kevin surely had the men’s fashion on lock as he posed it up next to his wife Erika Liles.
Olympic track and field gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross kept with the theme for the night's festivities.
Fab directress Ava DuVernay kept it elegant in a high-waisted printed skirt and black shirt. She flew in via helicopter to accept an award after speaking at the BlogHer event earlier in the day.
Comedian Dave Chappelle popped up at the event to accept an award. Looking good Dave.
He snapped it up on the carpet with “Real Husbands of Hollywood” executive producer Stan Lathan and Russell.
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Cynthia Bailey hit the carpet in all black. And her husband Peter Thomas (not pictured) wasn't far behind. The twosome are still going strong after that inappropriate video of Peter kissing on another woman surfaced online.
“CBS This Morning” co-anchor Gayle King got jazzy in her Roaring 20s outfit.
Former CNN host and CEO of Starfish Media Group Soledad O'Brien looked lovely in a long-sleeve cut-out gown on the carpet.
Inside....
Honorees Dave, Ava, Simon de Pury and featured artist Wangechi Mututook took the stage to accept their awards snapping a group shot with the host of the evening Soledad and foundation founders Russell & Danny.
During Dave’s acceptance speech, he shared with the audience that the arts education he received in high school is what saved him and helped him to become successful.
The SELMA director also took the podium for her acceptance speech and she was honored with a hand drawn self portrait. Nice.
While on stage, Ava laughed it up and high-fived honoree Simon de Pury.
Later...
Elle hit the stage to serenade the audience with a few tracks. Sing Elle!
And 90s group Bell Biv DeVoe took us back as they performed a few of their famous hits.
Ava shared a photo-op with Russell and his brother Danny Simmons.
“Inside the Actors Studio” creator James Lipton came out to show support.
On the dance floor, Dave and Gayle were spotted sharing a dance.
And Russell was gracious enough to snap a few selfies. Fab times.
Photos: Getty
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