East Hampton, NYNe-Yo hosted his ‘Fostering A Legacy Benefit’ on Saturday evening at the private estate of Bill and Michele Nuti, supporting his charity, The Compound Foundation.

Founded in 2007 by Ne-Yo and his business partner Reynell Hay, The Compound Foundation strives to improve the well-being of youth growing up in foster care and group homes. This year the foundation recognized legendary filmmaker, George Lucas, and The Coca-Cola Company for their philanthropic endeavors. 

The red carpet was star-packed with celebrities including co-host Arsenio Hall, honoree George Lucas, Jason Kidd, Russell Simmons, Adrienne Bailon, Elise Neal and Rosci Diaz. Inside the venue, guests caught glimpse of Paul Abdul dancing with new boyfriend, John Caprio. The best surprise of the night?  Arsenio Hall shared that he will be returning to the air with a new show in 2013 targeting a younger demographic. 

“I’m spending the next year putting my talk show together and returning to it after a 17 year absence,” said Hall. “I’m re-staffing, building the set, writing the theme and in fall 2013, I’ll be back on the air. Friends of mine need a playhouse,” he teased.

The man of the night, Ne-Yo wore a sleek combo of a Zara blazer paired with a Christian Dior shirt, pants and shoes, and of course his signature fedora from his own line, Francis Ellargo. 

“I want these kids to know that there is somebody that loves you and where you come from does not have to reflect on who you become,” Ne-Yo shared on the red carpet. “Now that I have my own kids, it just makes it that much more important to me to make sure that these kids [foster and group home children] are housed, clothed and most importantly encouraged”

Honoree and father of not one but three foster children, George Lucas, was also excited to be part of this special event. 

“I think it’s important to give back. I have three adopted children so to me this is really important,” said Lucas. “Children are great gifts and we should do everything we can to help them grow as people. I really admire what he’s [Ne-Yo’s] doing—he’s doing great work.”

Guests enjoyed a three-course Asian inspired meal served in modern Benton Boxes and sipped on specialty Malibu Red cocktails. The night was capped off with a special on-stage surprise performance by Ne-Yo, who is releasing The R.E.D Album in September. His favorite song on the album? “Along With You” that he dedicated to his 2-year old girl, Madilyn. 

“I decided to be even that much more honest with this album. It can honestly be said that if you wanna know who Ne-Yo, what Ne-Yo thinks, what Ne-Yo’s about, turn this album on,” he shares about his upcoming project. 

—Janell Hickman