Since Hurricane Katrina — which O’Brien covered extensively for CNN — the couple has quietly helped underprivileged young women with the resources to attend school. The foundation will now enable them to provide more scholarships to the victims of the storm, and beyond.

In attendance, Star Jones and her new beau; Russell Simmons with actress Melissa George; and gospel singer Kirk Franklin and jazz star Ron Carter. In all, $250,000 was raised.

Event chairs Cicely Tyson and Pharrell Williams and host committee members such as CNN’s Alina Cho (pictured) and Jason Binn were also on hand, enjoying the “New Orleans in the Hamptons” themed event.

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