Bounty and Russell Simmon's Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Unveil National Arts Mural with Joseph 'Rev. Run' and Tory Burch in Support of Arts Education

NEW YORK, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from New York City public school PS 165 assisted Procter & Gamble's Bounty brand along with Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation co-founder and entertainment mogul Russell Simmons, hip-hop pioneer Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, American fashion designer and humanitarian Tory Burch, and artist Amanda Williams in unveiling the completed Building Bounty-ful Bridges 33-foot painted mural. The mural is a compilation of all the completed pieces of the traveling arts program that toured the nation sponsored by Bounty in partnership with Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091029/NY02216 )

Through Bounty's partnership with Rush Philanthropic, children from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and Cincinnati have collaborated in creating a large-scale painting depicting a bridge in their city and representing the "space between us." Youth groups in each city were able to showcase their creativity by being inspired by the city they live in and learn by doing the project with other children. This is in perfect sync with Bounty's mission to provide children with fun, hands-on activities that nurture their creativity and curiosity outside the classroom.

To bring this program to life, Rush Philanthropic Director of Education at Rush, Meridith McNeal, and featured artist, Amanda Williams, collaborated with a different youth arts organization in each city to promote artistic expression and help bring communities across the country together. "Bounty is proud to be a part of Building Bounty-ful Bridges in recognizing art education as a priority for America's youth. Seeing the final mural truly depicts the creativity and different interpretations of each city," said Eric Higgs, brand manager, Bounty. "Given the creative work and hands on approach Rush Philanthropic has already taken with kids around the country, they have made a great partner in bringing this program to life."

"As art has been such a pivotal aspect in my life, I want the youth of today to realize that art can transform lives and bring people together by unleashing the imagination," said Russell Simmons, chairman and co-founder of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and entertainment mogul. "This partnership with Rush Philanthropic and Bounty reinforces that idea."

After the program, each partnering organization will take turns exhibiting the completed mural allowing for this project to travel through the country. For more information on Bounty's partnership with Rush Philanthropic and fun, at-home art activities, visit www.bountymakeamessterpiece.com.

About Bounty

Bounty has been America's most popular paper towel for over 30 years. In the U.S., P&G offers the following premium two-ply paper towel products: Bounty Select-a-Size; Bounty White; Bounty Extra Soft; and Bounty Fun Prints. Additionally, P&G offers Bounty Basic, a quality one-ply paper towel as well Bounty Quilted Napkins. For more information on Bounty, visit www.quickerpickerupper.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 14 years, Rush has developed a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters dedicated to addressing these issues. In addition to the 2,000 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; distributes grants to nonprofit arts organizations in NYC and South Florida; and provides unique opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts. Rush currently operates galleries and arts education programs in Chelsea (Manhattan) on West 26th Street and Clinton Hill (Brooklyn) on Grand Avenue. Rush Education Programs are designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors, and support increased academic performance.

About Procter & Gamble [ PG]

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Actonel®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 135,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

SOURCE Bounty/P&G