On August 17th Ne-Yo hosted his second annual “Fostering A Legacy” benefit for his charity, The Compound Foundation, at a private residence in East Hampton. The foundation, whose goal is to provide children in foster care with youth development and empowerment programs, honored Academy award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. and celebrity photographer Johnny Nunez for their personal involvement in the foster care system.
The Source was there on the red carpet and we chatted with Ne-Yo who is currently working on his 6th studio album (which we can expect somewhere near the top of the year). We also chatted with the night’s co-host and comedian Kevin Hart.
Q: What made you want to start the Compound Foundation?
Ne-Yo: These are the “forgotten kids” who get a negative stance just because of how they grew up and I don’t think that’s fair. So we founded the Compound Foundation to let these kids know their future is as bright as you make it.
Q: How did you get involved in co hosting tonight’s event and what are your thoughts on the Compound Foundation?
Kevin Hart: Ne-Yo called and asked me to do him a favor. I told him no problem and now I’m co hosting the event making people aware of what he’s doing. At the end of the day it’s about people willing to open up their homes and allowing other people into them – which is always a good thing.
Guests enjoyed cocktails by Malibu RED and an intimate dinner prepared by master Chef Roble. During desert, which included strawberry shortcake push pops and mini cupcakes, Kevin Hart joined Ne-Yo to kick off the night’s auction. Performances by Estelle who sang “American Boy,” Mario who sang “Let Me Love You,” and Bridget Kelly followed and kept the crowd on their feet. The night ended with Ne-Yo thanking his guests for being there before asking them, “Since I’m up here, do you mind if I sing a song?” as the beat dropped for “Give Me Everything (Tonight).”
Guests included Stephen Hill, RaVaughn, Adrienne Bailon, Princess Madeline of Sweden, D Nice, Dina Manzo and more! Immediately following the gala,Mission BIG and Ne-Yo hosted the official after-party at Pink Elephant – Sienna Ultra-lounge in Montauk.
-Angeli Kakade
