“In an effort to keep our customers out of pay day loans and other high priced lending products, we’re enabling many of our customers to access their direct deposit up to two days early,” said RushCard founder, Russell Simmons. “Our members can now enjoy increased flexibility and peace of mind knowing that RushCard will help them meet any financial challenge.”

As part of RushCard’s robust suite of money-saving solutions that include comprehensive budgeting tools, online bill pay, money transfer services, and many other valuable services like prescription discount plans, the new early access feature helps cardholders to take greater control of their finances.

“At RushCard we are committed to helping our customers realize their financial goals,” said RushCard CEO, Rob Rosenblatt. “Underbanked and unbanked consumers need innovative financial products and services to help them achieve their financial objectives.”

Recently, RushCard announced RushGoals, a new tool and a cashback reward that helps hard-working members and underserved customers achieve their financial goals. In each month in which a Cardholder maintains an average daily balance of $500 or more across their RushGoals sub-accounts, the Cardholder will be rewarded with $2 that will be applied toward their RushCard fees.

To learn more about the Prepaid Visa RushCard and its financial empowerment program, visit www.RushCard.com .

About UniRush LLC

Headquartered in Cincinnati and New York City, UniRush LLC provides members with access to services that enable them to achieve their personal and financial Goals. The RushCard offers the more than 60 million Americans without access to a traditional banking relationship an array of basic financial services via the Prepaid Visa RushCard. Benefits of the program include direct deposit, card-to-card funds transfers, online budgeting tools, the ability to withdraw funds at more than 850,000 ATMs globally, the ability to use the card wherever Visa debit cards are accepted, and a suite of health products to help those underserved by the insurance industry. RushCard is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used wherever Visa debit cards are accepted. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC. For more information about UniRush and RushCard visit www.rushcard.com or find us at Facebook.com/Rushcard or on Twitter @RushCard.

SOURCE: UniRush LLC

SIMMONS TO HONOR TRUMP: Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund, founded in 2007, will host its first annual Good Awards tonight at the Empire Hotel in New York. The nonprofit organization seeks to raise awareness, support education initiatives and empower those that live in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. The evening’s honorees include Ivanka Trump; Varda Shine, chief executive officer of the Diamond Trading Co.; Edward Hrabak, senior vice president, merchandising and general marketing manager, Sterling Jewelers Inc., and Rebecca Foerster, manager of the U.S. representative office of Rio Tinto Diamonds.

“It has been particularly important to me to make the commitment to be a socially responsible fine jewelry brand with an environmentally conscious bridal collection. I have great respect for the Diamond Empowerment Fund and the work they do, and I feel extremely blessed to be recognized by my peers, specially considering we are such a young brand in a well-established industry,” said Trump, who will receive the Newest and Brightest Award for her work with eco-friendly diamonds.

Source: WWD

CINCINNATI, Dec 20, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — RushCard announced today a new tool and a cashback reward that helps hard-working members who want to budget and save, but are finding it difficult to do so with the big banks. The new feature, RushGoals, is designed to help underserved customers achieve their financial goals. It couldn’t be timelier, as recent changes in financial regulations have triggered increases in monthly banking fees charged to low-balance customers.

RushGoals enables Cardholders to create personal financial goals, put money aside in a separate sub-account, and track their progress. Cardholders can establish multiple goals by setting up multiple sub-accounts, all tied to a single Prepaid Visa(R) RushCard.

In each month in which a Cardholder maintains an average daily balance of $500 or more across their Goals sub- accounts, the Cardholder will be rewarded with $2 that will be applied toward their RushCard fees.

While banks are making it clear that lower-income customers are no longer as profitable to them, RushGoals is rewarding its members, paying them whenever they maintain a $500 balance in a Goals sub-account. This $500 balance is significantly lower than the minimum daily balance that some big banks require in order for the customer to avoid paying a monthly fee! RushCard is offering customers $2 in cashback on a $500 balance ($24 if the balance is maintained for a full year); providing a return that most banks simply do not offer.

Cardholders can set up short-term or long-term Goals, and put money toward them by transferring money from their card manually or on a recurring schedule. RushCard will create a strategy to help them reach their Goals based on how much the member can save each month, or the date that the goal needs to be reached.

“Millions of Americans have grown frustrated with financial institutions,” said RushCard founder, Russell Simmons. “With RushGoals, we not only give customers money back, we’ll also help them realize their financial goals. This is just one of the ways RushCard continues to look beyond traditional prepaid card programs to create more tools to improve the overall financial well-being of our members.”

The RushGoals feature is the latest in a suite of money-saving solutions that include budgeting tools, prescription drug discount cards*, mobile phone applications, card-to-card transfers, and free text alerts**. According to Simmons, “RushCard will continue to be the recognized leader in prepaid cards and related services, enabling our customers to take control over their financial lives and embark upon the path toward financial well-being. In the coming months, we’ll be announcing additional new features, including the ability for RushCard direct deposit customers to receive access to their funds up to up to 2 days before their payday.”

To learn more about the Prepaid Visa RushCard and its financial empowerment program, visit www.RushCard.com .

*The Bancorp Bank is not affiliated in any way with this product and does not endorse or sponsor this offer.

**Standard text messaging rates from your wireless service provider may apply.

About UniRush LLC

Headquartered in Cincinnati and New York City, UniRush LLC provides members with access to services that enable them to achieve their personal and financial Goals. The RushCard offers the more than 60 million Americans without access to a traditional banking relationship an array of basic financial services via the Prepaid Visa RushCard. Benefits of the program include direct deposit, card-to-card funds transfers, online budgeting tools, the ability to withdraw funds at more than 850,000 ATMs globally, the ability to use the card wherever Visa debit cards are accepted, and a suite of health products to help those underserved by the insurance industry. RushCard is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used wherever Visa debit cards are accepted. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC. For more information about UniRush and RushCard visit www.rushcard.com or find us at Facebook.com/Rushcard or on Twitter @RushCard.

SOURCE: UniRush LLC

Because he tirelessly advocates for animals and sets a positive example for others by promoting a vegan lifestyle, PETA is pleased to name Russell Simmons our 2011 Person of the Year.

Simmons discusses his compassionate diet every chance he gets, including in news interviews; through social media; on the website that he co-founded,Global Grind; and in his latest book, Super Rich: A Guide to Having It All. He has eaten a plant-based diet for more than 10 years, and he was recently included in PETA’s limited-edition sheet of U.S. postage PhotoStamps(TM), featuring vegetarians throughout history. In his article “Why I’m a Vegan,” Simmons says, “Being a thoughtful vegan makes our time on this Earth more peaceful and joyous, because you get to have a hand in promoting and increasing the happiness, good health and well-being of others—both animal and human—rather than being an instrument of their suffering and death.”

In accordance with his commitment to kindness, Simmons has seen to it that his clothing line, Argyleculture, is free of fur, wool, and leather. He has starred in public service announcements encouraging people to bring dogs inside to live as part of the family, to report cruelty to animals, and to take a stand against dogfighting. He also wrote an open letter to KFC’s CEO calling on the chain to improve its suppliers’ chicken slaughter practices.

Simmons graciously accepted his award, saying, ”The horrible abuse of animals is the worst karmic disaster in the history of human kind. The work that PETA does to combat this catastrophe is amazing. I’m truly humbled to be chosen as this year’s Person of the Year but the praise should go to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers that are on the ground doing the work. I accept this honor on their behalf.”

Russell Simmons uses his fame for good, making himself a positive role model for his fans and everyone around him. Because Russell Simmons tirelessly advocates for animals by promoting an animal-friendly vegan lifestyle, PETA has named him our 2011 Person of the Year. You can follow Simmons’ lead and help end animal abuse by ordering a free copy of PETA’s vegetarian/vegan starter kit.

Source: Opposing Views

This summer, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and Russell & Danny Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation teamed up for the 2nd year in a row to present the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Artisan Series – a nationwide search with the aim of discovering the next big names in the field of visual arts. During a series of regional gallery events, twenty artists were shortlisted and invited to Miami for a grand finale event during Art Basel. After much deliberation, a jury panel which included Rush Philanthropic co-founder Danny Simmons, Scope Art Fair Director of Operations Mollie White and the program’s national curator Andre Guichard selected New York artists Miguel Ovalle and Lerone Wilson as the winners of the 2nd Annual BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Artisan Series. Both artists will have their work installed at the Rush Arts Gallery in Manhattan from February 9 — March 16, 2012.

Prior to the finale, the work of the finalists was displayed at this year’s Miami edition of the Scope Art Fair from November 29 – December 4. As a result of this new partnership between Scope and the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Artisan Series, six pieces of Artisan Series work were sold to international art dealers. Michael Coakes of Chicago sold three of his fine art prints, DC’s Alvin Burts sold his piece Reciprocity, San Francisco’s Bryan Keith Thomas sold his oil on wood piece entitled Down South and Miami’s Jose Romentaria sold his acrylic on canvas, The Will. These finalists join the ranks of a growing list of artists who have sold their work as a result of their participation in the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Artisan Series, including Rachel Stevens, who sold her piece Super Theory of Super Everything during the semi-finals event in Houston.

The finale event, held on December 2nd at Miami’s historic Alfred Dupont Building, featured a wide range of work from all of the talented artists and photographers who participated in the Artisan Series. As they sipped signature Bombay Sapphire cocktails, guests danced to music spun by DJ Timbuk2 and Ms. Nix and enjoyed a high energy performance from Miami’s New Century Dance Company. Just prior to the announcement of the winners, Artisan Series program curator Andre Guichard called the top twenty onto the stage, all of whom were met with thunderous applause from the crowd.

Rush Philanthropic co-founder Russell Simmons addressed the finalists saying, “There is nothing more important than imagination. Please continue to be a source of inspiration for each and every one of your local communities, and, for the rest of the world.”

Finally, Danny Simmons and Andre Guichard took the stage and, after commending each of the artists on their “deeply personal” work, announced Ovalle and Wilson as the winners. Ovalle’s dramatic installation is titled Dizmology and Wilson’s encaustic on wood is titled A Path through the Sky.

Of his win, Ovalle said, “Having my work recognized, in this capacity, at one of the largest art fairs in the world, is truly an incredible honor.”

Wilson added, “I am looking forward to bringing my work home to New York after my experience here at Art Basel. This level of exposure is indispensable when you are based in one of the world’s most stimulating, yet competitive art communities.”

Emerging artists were invited to enter the Artisan Series by creating a piece of inspired, original art. In its second year, the Artisan Series received nearly 3,000 submissions from artists across the US. Submissions were judged by an esteemed panel, and those selected artists were invited to have their work displayed at gallery events in Washington DC, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco and New York City.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Senior Brand Manager Richard McLeod adds, “BOMBAY SAPPHIRE has an extensive history of commitment to the arts and creative community. It gives us such pleasure to be able to help provide a platform for new talent to gain the recognition that they deserve. We have been deeply touched by the response to our first two years of partnership with Rush Philanthropic and we are committed to building a lasting relationship.”

The relationship between BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation evolved from the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE brand’s longstanding support of the arts, especially in the Miami locale. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE has had an ongoing presence at Art Basel Miami over its ten year lifespan, matched more recently by its involvement with the new Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, of which BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin is a key sponsor.

                  BE BRILLIANT AND INSPIRED. DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

www.bombaysapphire.com             (C)2011 BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, SAPPHIRE AND DEVICE ARE TRADEMARKS AND
                             REGISTERED TRADEMARKS.
        IMPORTED BY THE BOMBAY SPIRITS COMPANY U.S.A., CORAL GABLES, FL.
                              GIN - 47% ALC. BY VOL

About BOMBAY SAPPHIRE

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE(R) is the fastest growing premium gin in the world and world’s number one premium gin by value. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is created with a unique combination of ten hand-selected botanicals, sourced from around the globe. The brand’s global essence and signature vapor infusion process impart a refined and perfectly balanced taste, versatile enough for both classic cocktails and exotic recipes. Infused with imagination, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is a symbol of the exploration of worldly and sophisticated lifestyles. For more information, please explore www.bombaysapphire.com .

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world’s leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI(R) rum, the world’s favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world’s most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE(R) vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR’S(R) Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling premium blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE(R) gin, the top-valued and fastest-growing premium gin in the world; CAZADORES(R) 100 percent blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in Mexico and a top-selling premium tequila in the United States; MARTINI(R) vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands. For additional information, visit www.bacardiusa.com .

ABOUT RUSH PHILANTHROPIC ARTS FOUNDATION

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing underserved urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, and to offering exhibition opportunities for underrepresented artists and artists of color. Rush was founded in 1995 by three brothers: Danny Simmons, visual artist and community builder; media mogul Russell Simmons; and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. Their goal was to fill the gap that poor and minorities face in both accessing the arts and exhibition opportunities. Over the past 16 years, Rush has served over 700,000 urban youth and has developed a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters dedicated to addressing these issues. In addition to the 2,300 students served each year in its education programs, Rush exhibits the work of 40 to 50 emerging and community-based artists in its galleries; welcomes over 10,000 gallery visitors; and provides unique opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts. Rush currently operates two galleries, Rush Arts Gallery and Resource Center in Chelsea (Manhattan) and Corridor Gallery in Clinton Hill (Brooklyn).

Rush Philanthropic believes that if you give young people the opportunity to practice and appreciate art–whether poetry, music, dance or the visual arts–you will see lives transformed. Nurtured in early childhood, and anchored in sustained, creative experiences throughout one’s life, it is through art that we see young people learn to value their own unique voices and visions; and it is through art that we see artists transform the minds and eyes of society.

For more information on the Artisan Series, please visit www.complex.com/SapphireArt .

For more information on Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation visit www.rushphilanthropic.org .

SOURCE: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE

The Diamond Empowerment Fund announced today a new award to honor four individuals and their companies for outstanding leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship and helping to communicate the diamond industry’s commitment to helping individuals through education in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

The 2012 Good Awards will be held Thursday, January 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Empire Hotel Rooftop, 44 West 63rd Street, New York City.

The four inaugural honorees for the 2012 Good Awards will be:

1.    Ms. Varda Shine and Diamond Trading Company (A De Beers Group Company): The global leadership of Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) is unparalleled in the industry. The De Beers Family of Companies continues to make an outstanding contribution to the economic development of Africa, and 2012 will mark the beginning of DTC’s move from its current London base to Gaborone, Botswana, thus furthering beneficiation on the continent. As a founding member of the Board of Directors of DEF, Ms. Shine champions the education, skills transfer and sustainable development of southern Africa, especially in communities where diamonds are a treasured natural resource

2.    Edward Hrabak, SVP Merchandising and GMM, Sterling Jewelers Inc.: With considerable support from Sterling, Ed Hrabak has promoted industry-wide product development models benefitting DEF that help fund educational initiatives and leadership development for youths in diamond producing countries in Africa. Mr. Hrabak’s commitment to the DEF mission is further example that ‘diamonds for good’ is not just an industry message, but also opportunity for an industry call-to-action.

3.    Ms. Rebecca Foerster and Rio Tinto Diamonds: Together with the Sales and Marketing Team atRio Tinto Diamonds, Rebecca Foerster has helped communicate…and lead… Rio Tinto Diamond’s commitment to education and sustainability, evident through Rio Tinto Diamond’s contributions to social wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity, all within strong governance systems. Rio Tinto Diamonds demonstrates good corporate citizenship throughout its mining communities in Australia, Canada and Africa by supporting education initiatives, access to healthcare, agricultural skill building, and capacity building programs.

4.    Ms. Ivanka Trump and Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry: Under the ‘New and Brightest’ category of the inaugural Good Awards, Ivanka Trump has made a commitment to using only sustainable materials in her diamond bridal line – the company is striving towards 100% sustainability in the near future. Ms. Trump uses her celebrity to champion causes, including ‘Girl Up’ and the UN Foundation. Girl Up supports girls around the world by giving them the opportunity to become educated, healthy, safe, counted, and positioned to be the next generation of leaders. As part of this support, Ms. Trump designed a ‘Girl Up’ bracelet with all proceeds going towards the “Girl Up’ organization.

Hosted by Phyllis Bergman, Russell Simmons and the Board of Directors of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, the Good Awards will take place on January 5, 2012 from 6:30pm to 9:30 p.m. at the Empire Hotel Rooftop in New York, and will bring together industry members, celebrity tastemakers, socialites and philanthropists from all walks of life. Grammy nominated singer Melanie Fiona will give a special performance, and music will be played throughout the evening by DJ M.O.S.

“We are thrilled to recognize the good works of leaders in our industry who are helping make a difference both in their own communities and in African communities where diamonds are a natural resource” says Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director.

Adds founding board member Russell Simmons, “Diamonds are a precious resource, and through good governance by the industry they can contribute to the development of Africa’s other precious resource, its people”.

Tickets are $195 and digital journal ads are $400. For ticket and journal information please contact Kafia Ahmed at kahmed(at)diamondempowerment(dot)org or visit DEF’s website athttp://www.diamondempowerment.org to purchase online.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to support education initiatives in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. It was established in 2007 by a group of individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industry, with the belief that education is essential to empower both individuals and society to reach their fullest potential.

Source: Yahoo

by MTV News in Music News

Thousands of Muslims and Jews across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa have participated  in the fourth edition of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding’s (FFEU) Annual Weekend of Twinning. Since 2008, FFEU has organized hundreds of these successful initiatives around the world in cooperation with the World Jewish Congress (WJC) and the Islamic Society of North America. The annualWeekend of Twinning brings together hundreds of synagogues and mosques, cultural centers, Muslim and Jewish university students and young leadership groups and Muslim and Jewish social action networks. According to the organizers these gatherings have helped Muslims and Jews in North America, Europe and around the world to nurture ties of friendship and trust.

The founding president of FFEU and vice president of the World Jewish Congress, Rabbi Marc Schneier, remarked: “We are proud to showcase these unprecedented international gatherings of Jews and Muslims.  The sheer magnitude of this year’s Weekend of Twinning reinforces our efforts to build a global movement of Muslims and Jews committed to communication, reconciliation, cooperation and understanding.”

Some events will continue through the end of December. Social action initiatives included Muslims and Jews feeding the hungry and the homeless in Boston, New Jersey, Toronto and Washington, DC.

The Weekend of Twinning kicked off FFEU’s Muslim Jewish programming for the upcoming year.  In February 2012, the second meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the Gathering of European Muslim and Jewish Leaders will take place in Europe.  In March, FFEU will host the first Mission of Latin American Muslim and Jewish Leaders to Washington, DC.

Schneier said: “This historic outpouring of Muslims and Jews worldwide demonstrates that we not only share a common faith, but a common fate.  It is our single destiny that we must strengthen our bonds of concern, compassion and caring for each other.”

For further information about the twinning events click here.

Source: WorldJewishCongress.org

Feeling a lack of resources in the art world for emerging artists of color, brothers Russell (the hip-hop mogul), Danny (an artist), andJoseph “Reverend Run” (of Run-DMC)Simmons founded Rush PhilanthropicArts Foundation in 1996. The foundation and its Chelsea space, Rush Arts Gallery,helped launch the careers of artists like Kalup Linzy, Kehinde Wiley, and Barron Claiborne,and his since expanded to help all emerging artists. It celebrates its 15th anniversary this year with a series of events and a limited-edition portfolio that went on sale at Artspace.com Tuesday.

The portfolio,”15 X 15,” brought together 15 Rush alumni to create limited-edition 16 X 20prints. Curator Ingrid LaFleur selected the 15 artists for the portfolio:Simone Leigh; Linzy; Ayana V Jackson; Tahir Hemphill, whose work is in MoMA’s “Talk to Me” exhibition; Sol’Sax; WangechiMutu; Sanford Biggers, who currently has a show at the Brooklyn Museum; NavinJune Norling; Diane Wah; Kenya Robinson; Michael Paul Britto; Renee Cox;Claiborne;Lennon Jno-Baptiste; and Angelbert Metoyer.

The foundation has selected its artists in different ways over the years, from recruiting at art schools, to making studio visits, to accepting submissions. But with the astounding response, now there is a panel of experts and curators (Rush also cultivates careers of burgeoning curators) who go through the artists’ work.

“There are very few outlets that have really catered to the type of work that these young artists are doing,” said Danny told us. “To have a venue like Rush gives them a home, a goal to shoot for, and it helps create a community of theseartists where people can network, get together, and discuss ideas.”

While Danny, who owns pieces by most of the Rush artists, personally felt that each of the artists Rush supported over the years was great, he had no idea how successful they would become. “Did I know that they were going to be picked up so widely by the mainstream art world?” Danny told ARTINFO. “No I didn’t know that, but I hoped they would.”

Go to Artspace.com for more information.

Source: ArtInfo

Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, Phat Farm, Argyle Culture, The Hip Hop Summit Action Network, Unirush Financial Services and much more, led 150 members of the Greater New York business owners community in a silent 5-minute meditation exercise at The Lighthouse International Theater on East 59th Street in Manhattan yesterday.

Known for his practice of transcendental meditation, Simmons discussed its role in creating his success as an entrepreneur during an hour-long conversation yesterday. For more than 25 years, Simmons has worked at the intersection of urban and mainstream culture but more recently, he’s received attention for his spiritual practices as well as some of his controversial opinions about politics and the economy.

During our time together, Simmons discussed everything from his mantra to his latest business ideas, all as part of a rollicking discussion around the introduction of his book, Super Rich. I consider Simmons to be a real friend to entrepreneurs and I admire his openness and the generosity he showed with his time.

But, while I appreciate Russell Simmons as a great defender of the arts, artists and self-expression, I still think he can get his point across without cursing so much, dammit! Sorry Uncle Rush! Much love, Schiff. Peace. Out.

Source: Inc.com