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East

New York, Brooklyn is one of New York’s most struggling cities, with an unemployment

rate more than twice New York City’s average and a high school graduation

rate of less than 45 percent. Brothers

Russell Simmons, Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Danny Simmons hope this

will change with the opening of Rush Philanthropic’s East New York, Brooklyn

Arts Center.Described

as an “Arts Oasis” the 11,000 square-foot arts education and resource

center was given as a gift from Ron Hershco of United Homes and will open in the

Fall of 2007."Rush

Arts East New York will make a huge difference to this community,” Rush Philanthropic

Co-Founder Danny Simmons said in a press release. “Its comprehensive services

to the neighborhood’s children and growing artist population will help promote

a cultural revitalization." Rush

East New York will be divided into several areas including gallery space, two

classroom spaces, four artist studios, office and meeting space, and a rooftop

garden. Tonight

(Apr. 11), Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons will host a cocktail party/fundraiser

at the Time Warner Center in New York City. The

Simmons brothers will also honor Richard Buery Jr. and Groundwork Inc. Groundwork’s

college preparation program boasts a 100 percent graduation rate and 95 percent

college enrollment rate. Rush

East New York is set to open in Fall of 2007.