Revelers at NYC hotspot 1Oak mingled and partied for a good cause on Tuesday evening during the third annual Art Auction. Hosted by hip-hop super-producer Swizz Beatz, the event was a fundraiser benefiting the Bronx Charter School for the Arts, a public elementary school located in the South Bronx founded on the principle that arts education is a catalyst for the academic and social success of all students.
The gala kicked off with a reception and a silent auction, during which attendees bid on original works of art created by Bronx Charter School for the Arts students. The silent auction was followed by an impressive performance by one of the school’s students and a live auction presided over by Swizz Beatz himself. In a clear demonstration of how passionate he is about arts in education, Beatz auctioned several items from his “personal collection,” including VIP tickets to one of Alicia Keys’ upcoming shows, autographed CD sets from Jay-Z and Beyonce, and a basketball and jersey autographed by Carmelo Anthony.
Once the last auction lot was presented to the audience, the evening’s lively mood was put into high gear with a surprise performance from UK import and “American Boy” singer, Estelle. While the crowd, including bold-faced names such as actress Tika Sumpter (“Gossip Girl,” “The Game”), Renee Graziano of VH1’s “Mob Wives” and Pilar Sanders danced up a sweat, Beatz took to the stage for an hour-long performance of several hits from his extensive catalog. By the conclusion of the evening, over $100,000 had been raised for the benefit of the talented students of the Bronx Charter School for the Arts.
–mara the hip hop socialite
