R&B singer Ne-Yo celebrated the 2nd annual fundraising benefit event for his charity, The Compound Foundation, with a gang of his celebrity friends. The collection of music stars, models, tastemakers, and wealthy do-gooders gathered in New York City to honor Victoria Secret supermodel and foster care advocate Selita Ebanks and fashion designer and National Foster Care Month spokesperson Tony Shellman.

Held at the swank private home of songwriter and philanthropist Denise Rich, The Compound Foundation raised funds that will go toward helping children in foster care and group homes. Founded in 2007 by Ne-Yo and Co-Founder Reynell Hay, the goal of the foundation is to focus on the disadvantaged youth in the foster care systems throughout America, providing them with the tools needed to actively pursue their dreams through college scholarships and vocational training programs.    

“No disrespect to anybody doing anything for [places] such as Africa and any of these countries that need help, but somebody’s got to take care of home,” Ne-Yo told BET.com, as he took a break from the night’s action. “The children that live here need help, as well.”

Also in attendance was Angela Simmons, who just last December helped to headline the foundation's Giving Tour, which provided toys and apparel to over five thousand kids living in five of the nation’s top cities with the highest foster care rates.  

Event honoree Selita Ebanks told BET.com that she was blown away by the work Ne-Yo’s foundation has done over the years.

“I was so unaware of [Ne-Yo's] work, and when I was made aware I was so humbled by it,” says Ebanks. “In learning about Ne-Yo’s Compound Foundation, they don’t only just work in one city — he spreads his love across the United States, and to me that’s amazing because there are so many kids in foster care. I’m honored to be here with him and be honored by his charity”

Other event attendees included 106 and Park host Terrence J, tennis star Serena Williams, music executive Kevin Liles, and BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials, Stephen G. Hill.

Over $150,000 was raised and will go to helping fund The Compound Foundations' Future CEO Academy and upcoming Giving Tour this December.

(Photo: Getty Images for SAKS)