Monthly Archives: October 2013

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Hurricane Sandy: One Year Later

What is very evident in each community are the bonds formed between volunteers and residents in the aftermath of the storm. We heard stories from residents who over the course of the past year experienced shock and despair – as well as hope and overwhelming kindnesses from people around the country they did not even know before the storm hit.

We, once again, had the opportunity to thank those first responders who put their lives in harms way to save others. Jon Bon Jovi remembers those first hours after the storm in Sea Bright, and fittingly that was one of our stops today where we got to see the volunteer efforts still underway.

Jon Bon Jovi commented: “A year to the day we continue to thank all the first responders and our neighbors in New York and New Jersey for being there for each other in our time of need. This photo (below) is of 2 vehicles we purchased for responders to help serve our community and yours.” – JBJ


For more photos from today please visit our Photo Gallery

Thanks to all who continue to serve these communities!
-Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation

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Sandy Service Day

The Relief Fund and Jersey Cares will mobilize 5,000 volunteers in Ocean, Monmouth, Atlantic, and Bergen counties for two days of service in highly impacted communities. Volunteers can sign-up to participate on Saturday, October 26th, or Tuesday, October 29th for team, individual and family friendly activities. Project types include:

• Beach Clean-ups and Fence Installation
• Bench, Picnic Table, Raised Bed and Lifeguard Stand Assembly
• Debris/Sand Removal
• Field/Park Revitalization
• Home Repairs/Rebuilding
• Meal Service for Early Responders
• Mural Painting, Line Game Painting in Schools
• Welcome Home Painting Kit Assembly

“We are proud to partner with Jersey Cares for the launch of Sandy Service Day: Remember. Rebuild. Recover. to mark New Jersey’s first year of recovery after Hurricane Sandy,” said First Lady Mary Pat Christie, Chair of the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. “We hope many will join us to continue the spirit of compassion and service that united people one-year ago. The Garden State has made great strides to rebuild, but there are many in need of a helping hand and this effort seeks to provide that as we remember Hurricane Sandy and look toward the future.”

“The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund has been a great partner to non-profit organizations working with recovery efforts. We are honored to mark the one-year anniversary of the storm with two days dedicated to volunteer service and recovery,” said Brian Dean, Executive Director, Jersey Cares. “The Sandy Service Day is an important moment to celebrate all that selfless volunteers have accomplished, emphasize the need that remains and ask New Jerseyans to commit to helping with the tremendous amount of work that lies ahead.”

Volunteers interested in participating can visit www.jerseycares.org.

About the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund
The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund distributes funds to organizations that support the recovery and rebuilding efforts of New Jersey communities impacted by the storm. The Relief Fund aims to make a sustainable, long-term impact and has awarded grants to 81 organizations, totaling $21 million, to date, for home rebuilding, mold remediation, mental health support, economic development, and financial and legal counseling. For more information, visit www.SandyNJReliefFund.org

About Jersey Cares
Jersey Cares, a nonprofit organization, established in 1993, recruits and engages volunteers in rewarding, effective efforts that address community-identified needs. They partner with local nonprofits to identify needs and implement volunteer projects to meet these needs. They provide individuals, families, corporate employees and community groups with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that range from tutoring children to painting new murals in schools. Learn more at jerseycares.org.

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Soul Kitchen 2nd Anniversary Celebration!

We hope that you will join us – all events are rain or shine and are free to the public, you do not need to dine at Soul Kitchen to participate. We will be open our normal hours during this celebration weekend!

Wednesday, October 16th / 6-8pm
JBJ Soul Kitchen & 180 Turning Lives Around Presents:
The Ride: Stories of Survival Art Exhibition

Thursday, October 17th / 4:30-6:30pm
Soul Kitchen & NJ Hope and Healing Present: Family Night!
Join us in the Soul Kitchen Gardens for pumpkin picking, fun activities, hot chocolate, cider, cider doughnuts & more!
Donations of items provided by Laurino Farms, Delicious Orchards & Saker ShopRite

Friday, October 18th / 6-7:30pm
Full Moon Meditation in The Garden
Monmouth Zen Circle will be joining us and leading the contemplation and guided meditation. Chairs will be provided.

Saturday, October 19th / 5-6:30pm
Music in The Garden
Enjoy an Outdoor Listening Experience Provided by Local Musicians:
John Nicole – Music of Love
A Couple of Note (Jodi DiLiberto & Vern King) – Traditional Music of the British Isles
Mike Barris – Jazz & Swing

Sunday, October 20th / 12-2pm
Celebration Sunday!
Enjoy Sunday Brunch and music in the Garden as we close our week long celebration with “The Voices of Praise” from Pilgrim Baptist Church at 2pm

Please continue to check back for more information on each night!

If you do not live in the Red Bank area but would like to support Soul Kitchen, you can help us by Paying It Forward. Every $10 we receive will cover the cost of someone’s meal who volunteered as payment. By donating, you are helping us provide meals to those in need.

Please click HERE to donate and support our mission.

Soul Kitchen 2nd Anniversary Celebration!