Russell Simmons to Fight Childhood Obesity With Dr. Oz

Russell Simmons is continuing his streak of good deeds this week by partnering with television personality Dr. Oz for an event to help fight childhood obesity. The partnership will kick off with a gala that benefits the Oz-founded non-profit HealthCorps -- a body that aims to address adolescent obesity issues in schools and communities across America.

Dr. Oz will host and honor Simmons, plus a slew of other guests, as they start a new campaign at the fifth annual Fresh From the Garden Gala. Parties involved will use the benefit to raise money to introduce HealthCorps to an increased number of U.S. high schools. The program, which calls itself "a peace corps for health," places recent college graduates into mentoring roles at schools across the country in order to encourage teenagers to live healthier lifestyles.

The event takes place April 13 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Other honorees include actor Hugh Jackman and his wife, plus Miami real estate developer and philanthropist Tibor Hollo. Gala proceeds will go directly towards implementing the program at select schools within the next year. HealthCorps hopes to reach at least 400 schools within all 50 U.S. states by the year 2015.

Recently, Simmons was honored at the GLAAD Awards, where he was given the Excellence in Media Award, presented to him by Rev. Al Sharpton. "I'm humbled having one of my heroes and mentors, Rev. Sharpton, giving me this award," Simmons said in his speech. "This is for all of us who step outside of our comfort zone and fight for the rights of others ... I'm honored and appreciative and I want to thank you."