Diddy Honored With ROBIE Award for Philanthropic Work

Sean "Diddy" Combs may be known for his music endeavors, but his philanthropic work received top billing, with an award during the Jackie Robinson Foundation annual ROBIE Awards in New York City on Monday.

Diddy, who was one of many guests, at the black-tie gala held at the Waldorf-Astoria, was happy to receive the honor. "I'm so proud of all the Jackie Robinson Scholars...and I'm so blessed they would honor me with a ROBIE award," he wrote on his Twitter page. The awards dinner also helped raise money for the Jackie Robinson Foundation's minority scholarship and mentoring program. For the 2010-2011 academic year, the organizations awarded 220 Foundation scholars attending 92 different colleges and universities, and representing 31 states. The hands-on scholarship award also includes peer and professional mentoring, internship placement and leadership training.

Now in its 37th year, the foundation's ceremony acknowledges those who embody the humanitarian legacy of the famed baseball player. With 20 full-time staff members, and 90 volunteers across eight regions, the JRF prides itself in the high graduation rate of its scholars but works to develop young leaders armed with the skills to successfully compete with in the global workforce.

Comedian Bill Cosby hosted the event, while the celebrity attendees included Chrisette Michele, Mayor Bloomberg and Russell Simmons. The night's other honoree's of the night included Ingrid Saunders Jones, Senior Vice President, The Coca-Cola Company, and Joseph R. Perella, CEO of financial services firm, Perella Weinberg Partners.