It was an evening to remember for hundreds of at-risk youth in New York City when the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation held its Eighth Annual Youth Holiday Party. The event held on Dec. 11 at The Fillmore at Irving Plaza in Manhattan, was sponsored by the Target Corp. The youngsters were treated to live performances, food and top-notch door prizes.

MTV VJ Sway, joined by DJ Kid Capri, DJ Jazzy Joyce and Jojo, Diggy and Russy from “Run’s House” fame, Styles P and Jason Fox handed out raffle prizes courtesy of House of Dereon, Akademiks, Rocawear, Baby Phat, G-Unit, Jet Blue, New Era, Xbox and Target stores.

Big-name celebs weren’t the only ones to take the stage that night in celebration of New York’s youth. The holiday party also featured performances by local teen-based organizations; the Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band, Groove with Me, the Impact Repertory Theatre and The Untouchable Shorties. In a show of appreciation to Rush Philanthropic, several Rush Kids presented co-founders Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons with painted portraits.

Hot 97 DJ Fatman Scoop who with wife Shonda, played Santa and Mrs. Claus, said attending the event was important to him. “I had to come out and show love for the kids,” he said. -ivory m. jones

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