Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, who co-founded the music label Def Jam with Rick Rubin and has enjoyed great success in the fashion industry, is involved in lots of organizations and projects, many of which are designed to help people in need. Every now and then, he's recognized for his terrific efforts.

On Wednesday, April 21, the Jewish Board of Family and Children Services (JBFCS) celebrated their annual Spring Benefit, called "Made in New York," honoring the work and support of JBFCS Board of Trustees Chairman, John A Herrmann, JBFCS Vice President David F. Everett and and Simmons.

JBFCS is huge. Beloved by many. And extremely helpful to a lot of people. They have 175 community-based programs, residential facilities, and day-treatment centers that annually serve over 65,000 New Yorkers-in-need of all faiths, races and cultures.

Addressing the evening’s guests, Executive Vice President & CEO, Paul Levine expressed, “Tonight’s event was a success on so many levels. We raised over $800,000 to support our work, we introduced the agency to a whole new audience of supporters— and we celebrated the outcomes of our work by featuring a number of former and current clients who have overcome their not-insignificant struggles with our help. Many of them have gone on to great things. That is what this agency is all about: helping people put their lives back together and succeeding despite the odds. I am extremely proud of what we do.”

JBFCS has been a trailblazer in treating social problems for more than a century. More info is at JBFCS.org.