Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Ne-Yo and his charity, the Compound Foundation are pleased to honor Academy award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. and celebrity photographer Johnny Nunez at their 2nd Annual “Fostering A Legacy” Benefit taking place Saturday, August 17 th. Cartoon Network President & COO Stuart C. Snyder will receive the corporate award for his generous corporate support and work with the Compound Foundation. Held at the East Hampton estate of NCR Corporation CEO Bill Nuti and co-hosted by actor/comedian Kevin Hart with a special musical performance by Grammy nominated singer Estelle, the gala will celebrate the strength and creativity of youth in foster care.
The night’s award ceremony will honor exemplary individuals and corporations for their leadership in foster care, adoption and community work. The Compound Foundation will recognize Louis Gossett Jr. for his exemplary leadership as an adoptive father and his work supporting inner city children. Gossett once stated “We changed each other’s lives,” when describing the joy of becoming an adoptive parent.
The Compound Foundation will also recognize Johnny Nunez, who grew up in the foster care system and was adopted at the age of five. Nunez would later become one of the most renowned celebrity photographers to work with some of the most influential figures including President Obama, Oprah Winfrey , Mick Jagger , Swizz Beatz and Clive Davis to name a few.
“I truly admire Louis Gossett Jr. for his bold initiative to adopt his son when he was in need. Johnny Nunez, who has been an advocate of our cause for years and Stuart Snyder, an active supporter of the foundation, are both well-respected individuals who we cannot thank enough. It is only right we honor these extraordinary men at this year’s benefit,” states Ne-Yo, Founder of The Compound Foundation.
At the benefit, special guests will enjoy cocktails followed by an intimate dinner prepared by the renowned talent, Chef Roble. The night’s program will be highlighted by a special musical performance and the announcement of a major concert fundraising event with Ne-Yo taking place in early December. As part of the first annual “Live For The Give” holiday concert series held in New York City, this history making event will benefit the Compound Foundation and Youth I.N.C., a NYC non-profit enhancing the lives of at risk youth. This event is presented by NYC events company Mission BIG.
The official after-party hosted by Mission BIG and The Compound Foundation will be held at Pink Elephant on Saturday night immediately following the gala. On Sunday morning, Mission BIG and Ne-Yo will host a brunch to celebrate and discuss the upcoming December concert with key strategic donors and supporters.
Last year’s inaugural Fostering A Legacy benefit honored film icon and adoptive parent George Lucas , raising over four hundred thousand dollars in donations. Hosted by legendary comedian Arsenio Hall , those in attendance included singer/TV personality Paula Abdul , philanthropist Russell Simmons and former NY Knicks Jason Kidd amongst others.
Following the awards and its ongoing effort to support its youth in foster and group homes, Compound will ask guests to participate in its Balloon Legacy Auction raising funds for the foundation’s important programs.
Sponsors of this year’s Fostering a Legacy Benefit include Porsche North America who is a leader in corporate giving, joined by Malibu RED, Coca Cola, Liberty Helicopter and Empire CLS.
ABOUT THE COMPOUND FOUNDATION
The Compound Foundation’s goal is to provide children in foster care and group homes the tools necessary to become successful entrepreneurs, forge healthy relationships, pursue education and training, and empowering them to control their destinies. Founded in 2007, by R & B superstar Ne-Yo and his business partner Reynell Hay, The Compound Foundation has created a variety of youth development and empowerment programs designed to support youth as they work to develop the skill set necessary to support themselves as they age out of care that. The foundation provides grants to non-profits providing permanent housing; award scholarships to young people with a history of foster and/or group home placement; builds recording studios inside local group homes to create a sense of teamwork and spark creativity; youth enrichment via their future CEO academy, an annual Giving Tour where holiday cheer and gifts of toys, electronics, and clothing are provided to over 2,000 youth in foster/group homes in 4 new rotating markets each year.
ABOUT NE-YO
Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Chimere Smith is a three-time Grammy winning singer, songwriter, producer and actor who has sold over ten Million records worldwide and earned three Billboard No.1 albums over the past five years. Ne-Yo has written for acts such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Rihanna, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Lionel Ritchie amongst others. With roles in Stomp The Yard, Save The Last Dance, Battle: LA and the 2012 release of Red Tails, Ne-Yo continues to build his brand not only as a musician but as an actor. He currently serves as VP of A&R at Motown Records, where he continues to move the iconic label in a new direction.
ABOUT MISSION B.I.G
In early 2012, NYC based events and brand strategy company Mission Big made history by bringing Jay Z, Alicia Keys & Nas accompanied by Questlove and a 40-piece orchestra to Carnegie Hall. Earning the top spot on the New York Times Critic’s List of The Best Concert Events of 2012, these shows Generated nearly a billion earned media impressions, raised $3 Million and had sponsorship from American Express, CITI Viacom, Target, and many more.
