Swizz Beatz, several prominent hip-hop artists and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg were on hand for the STAT! 2011 kick off gala that took pace at the Bellevue Hospital Center in New York.
The gala benefited STAT! and its initiative to promote equal access to healthcare in New York. It also raised awareness on the Guns Down, Life Up initiative that seeks to reduce gun violence in New York.
Swizz Beatz donated one of his art pieces that will be on display at Bellevue Hospital.
“I heard about what’s been going on with Stat!,” says Grady Spivy of F.S. Management. “The New York Pubic Health Hospitals doesn’t turn anyone who is sick away. That alone made me feel that it is special. They reached out to me see if Swizz Beatz would want to be a part of it. But it was bigger than just being an entertainer. I coordinated with both parties and we took it from there.”
Swizz Beatz sat down with rolling out magazine to his discuss his connection with STAT! and his art work.
“STAT! is an amazing organization,” Swizz Beatz said. “I found out that they were interested in my art work and I was able to donate some art. I’m here to support all of the hospitals who are doing positive things. My painting is a V. The V stands for victory over everything that’s a struggle in your life. The sky is not the limit, it’s just a view. That means you can make it higher than your wildest dreams.” –amir shaw
STAT! 2011 (www.stathhc.org) is being presented by HHC and The Fund for HHC and will take place from Oct. 23 to Oct. 30, with one event in each of the five boroughs. HHC President Aviles was joined at the Aloft Harlem Hotel by Ray Chew, The Broadway Boys, Kangol Kid, Full Force, Marley Marl, and DJ Kool Herc.
