Cynthia Nixon Hosts Russell Simmons' RUSH HeARTS V-Day Lunch

Kick off Valentine's Day, February 14, by sharing the love when Cynthia Nixon hosts Russell Simons' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation with the RUSH HeARTS Education Valentine's Day Luncheon in New York City.

"I want to contribute more to earth than I take away from it," said Simmons.

The event is hosted by Cynthia Nixon, a breast cancer survivor who is an ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and supports charities including BC/EFA, V-Day, the Actors Fund of America and the Point Foundation.

This year's event will honor fashion designer Zac Posen, international supermodel & UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Alek Wek and Tony Award-winning actress Patina Miller for their careers and philanthropic achievements and their unyielding dedication to our youth, arts and education initiatives.

Kimora Lee Simmons will serve as Honorary Chair, and Event Chairs include Angela Simmons and designers Dee and Ricky. Music will be provided by DJ M.O.S., DJ Kiss and will feature a special performance by Rush Philanthropic's very own Rush Teens. Also featured is a live performance by six-time Grammy nominated singer Tamia.

This event is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation has also received support from celebrities including Alicia Keys, Bill Clinton, Deepak Chopra, Ice-T, MC Lyte, Soledad O'Brien, Tom Colicchio and Vanessa Williams.

The Third Annual Rush HeARTS Education Valentine's Day Luncheon will raise funds for Rush's Education programs for New York City's inner city youth. Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation programs (Rush Galleries in the Schools, and Rush Toddlers, Rush Kids and Rush Teens) are designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors, and support increased academic performance, by filling the void of arts education programs in public schools and through afterschool and weekend sessions. Rush is proud of its success to date and looks toward to a future in which its programs grow to encompass more children and artists, and continue to enhance access to arts institutions and arts experiences.

Founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is dedicated to providing inner-city youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, and to offering exhibition opportunities for emerging and underrepresented artists. Over the past 19 years, Rush has developed a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters dedicated to supporting its mission.

In addition to the 2,900 students served annually in its education programs, each year Rush exhibits the work of 40 to 50 emerging and community-based artists in its galleries, and welcomes over 10,000 gallery visitors to its spaces in Chelsea, Manhattan (Rush Arts Gallery) and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (Corridor Gallery).

"Rush feels that the process of making art is an invaluable tool and that art-making itself can be used as a vehicle to build bridges between communities," said Rush Philanthropic Executive Director Tangie Murray. "Rush offers a creative learning environment in which students can interact with artists, explore contemporary arts, and see the world through a variety of perspectives. Art provides a unique way for young people to learn, connect and communicate. While its primary emphasis is also on the arts, Rush Philanthropic is committed to the general well being of young people by considering a wide range of concerns."

The RUSH HeARTS Education Valentine's Day Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 14 at the Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom, 768 Fifth Avenue at Central Park South in New York City. For more information, visit www.rushphilanthropic.org.