Media moguls Danny and Russell Simmons hosted the first Arts for Life Miami Beach gala at the Bath Club on April 5. The celeb-studded event honored Grammy winners John Legend and Wyclef Jean, financial expert Suze Orman, and Bath Club owner and real estate developer R. Donahue Peebles for their efforts in support of youth arts education.
Benefiting the Simmons brothers' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the event was designed and produced by Bruce Sutka of Sutka Productions International Inc. Sutka transformed the Bath Club into a Thai paradise complete with gold Buddhas, elegant draping in bright pink, gold, green, and orange, and an array of exotic flowers.The outdoor cocktail area had multiple bars, sponsored by Hennessy and Budweiser, serving a variety of refreshments to keep guests cool in the Miami heat. Vignettes were arranged throughout the space featuring Thailand-esque sun umbrellas, old-fashioned bicycles, Eastern statues, and flowers, flowers, flowers. Here guests also indulged in hors d'oeuvres including sushi rolls, chicken skewers, and mini burgers.
The entire indoor dining area was draped in red, orange, and sheer white linens complemented by gold and orange ambient lighting. Each table featured a different centerpiece made up of an Eastern-themed statue and exotic flowers-and each with its own spotlight. Additionally, flat-screen televisions were set up along the perimeter of the two dining rooms so that all guests had a good view of what was happening onstage.
Throughout the evening, Russell Simmons presented the honorees with their awards and spoke on behalf of the foundation. Between ticket sales and the event's silent auction-featuring autographed memorabilia, vacations, and more-the gala raised more than $575,000 for the foundation.
Sponsors for the event included R. Donahue and Katrina Peebles, Hennessy, Anheuser-Busch, and Wal-Mart. Celebrities in attendance to show their support included NBA player Dwyane Wade, comedian Pauly Shore, singer Paulina Rubio, director Brett Ratner, and frontman Scott Stapp of Creed.
Benefiting the Simmons brothers' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the event was designed and produced by Bruce Sutka of Sutka Productions International Inc. Sutka transformed the Bath Club into a Thai paradise complete with gold Buddhas, elegant draping in bright pink, gold, green, and orange, and an array of exotic flowers.The outdoor cocktail area had multiple bars, sponsored by Hennessy and Budweiser, serving a variety of refreshments to keep guests cool in the Miami heat. Vignettes were arranged throughout the space featuring Thailand-esque sun umbrellas, old-fashioned bicycles, Eastern statues, and flowers, flowers, flowers. Here guests also indulged in hors d'oeuvres including sushi rolls, chicken skewers, and mini burgers.
The entire indoor dining area was draped in red, orange, and sheer white linens complemented by gold and orange ambient lighting. Each table featured a different centerpiece made up of an Eastern-themed statue and exotic flowers-and each with its own spotlight. Additionally, flat-screen televisions were set up along the perimeter of the two dining rooms so that all guests had a good view of what was happening onstage.
Throughout the evening, Russell Simmons presented the honorees with their awards and spoke on behalf of the foundation. Between ticket sales and the event's silent auction-featuring autographed memorabilia, vacations, and more-the gala raised more than $575,000 for the foundation.
Sponsors for the event included R. Donahue and Katrina Peebles, Hennessy, Anheuser-Busch, and Wal-Mart. Celebrities in attendance to show their support included NBA player Dwyane Wade, comedian Pauly Shore, singer Paulina Rubio, director Brett Ratner, and frontman Scott Stapp of Creed.
Each of the centerpieces in the dining area featured a different Eastern-themed statue and exotic flowers.
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Silent-auction items included autographed memorabilia such as Scott Stapp's guitar and Dwyane Wade's basketball jersey.
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Event sponsor Anheuser-Busch set up a bar on the patio.
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Even the silent-auction items were set up with Thai-themed displays.
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An expansive sushi bar was set up outside during the cocktail hour.
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An elaborate vignette on the outdoor patio added to the Thailand-inspired ambience.
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Each of the centerpieces in the dining area featured a different Eastern-themed statue and exotic flowers.
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Financial expert Suze Orman was one of the evening's honorees.
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The walls of the indoor dining areas were draped in red linens and accented with gold and orange ambient lighting.
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Russell Simmons took time to speak with the press about the event and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.
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