Art & Style
Ne-Yo Brings Celebrities, Mission of Supporting Foster Care Children to the Hamptons
By Chris Windham
Human Nature magazine
A s guests trolled along the winding driveway leading to the East Hampton estate of NCR Corporation CEO Bill Nuti, one might have developed the impression that this was just another ritzy Hamptons affair.
But while the glitz was there in the form of flowing gowns, Hamptons-inspired seersucker suits, a multi-course meal prepared by Bravo’s Chef Roble, as well as several Porsche automobiles on display, the central message of the Compound Foundation’s Second Annual “Fostering A Legacy” benefit was clear: children in the foster care system need support to become successful, healthy individuals.
Founded by R&B superstar Ne-Yo and his business partner, Reynell Hay, in 2007, the Compound Foundation seeks to provide children in foster care and group homes the tools necessary to become successful entrepreneurs, forge health relationships, and for them to pursue educational or training opportunities. Last year, the Fostering A Legacy event helped raise more than $400,000 for such efforts.
“I don’t feel like the circumstances these kids are put in, which nine times out of 10 are not their fault, are fair,” Ne-Yo says. “I feel like those circumstances shouldn’t have anything to do with their future. That’s why we founded the Compound Foundation.”
For this year’s benefit, Ne-Yo enlisted the help of actor/comedian Kevin Hart to co-host. And Hart delivered his usual wit and knack for improvisation to the throughout the evening.
This year, the Compound Foundation honored Academy award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., who is an adoptive father, and celebrity photographer Johnny Nunez, who was once a foster care child and was adopted at age 5.
Nunez moved some in the crowd to tears with his moving story of how he overcame homelessness to become a renowned photographer, who has shot the likes of President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Mick Jagger, among others.
Cartoon Network President & COO Stuart C. Snyder was also honored with the corporate award for his support and work with the Compound Foundation, and his support for anti-bullying campaigns.
The benefit featured a balloon auction where guests could donate from $250 to $5,000 per balloon to the organization. Several vacation packages and sporting event ticket packages were auctioned off as well.
Attendees were also treated to intimate performances from Bridget Kelly and Ravaughn Brown of Ne-Yo’s Compound Entertainment. Fresh off world tour with Beyoncé, singer Luke James also performed, including delivering on a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.” So did R&B crooner Mario, who performed his current hit single “Somebody Else,” as well as one of his earlier hits, penned by Ne-Yo, ” Let Me Love You.”
Not to be outdone, the host, Ne-Yo, took to the stage to give the crowd a rousing performance of “Give Me Everything,” and “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself).”
The Fostering A Legacy benefit is the lead up to the Compound Foundation’s first “Live For The Give” holiday concert series, which will be presented by events giant Mission BIG and held in New York this December. The concert will benefit the Compound Foundation as well as Youth I.N.C., a NYC non-profit that strives to enhance the lives of at-risk youth.
For more information on the Compound Foundation, or to help, visit
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Kevin Hart Discusses His Friendship with Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo Performs “Let Me Love You”
Ne-Yo Sings “Give Me Everything”
Mario Sings “Let Me Love You”
