Monthly Archives: April 2014

April 28 2014

The Kelly Cares Foundation Honored the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, NBC News Correspondent Anne Thompson, and Peter Schivarelli, Manager of the Band Chicago, at its Irish Eyes Gala

Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea accepted the inaugural “Spirit of Giving Award” on behalf of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and its work to combat hunger and homelessness. Anne Thompson, a member of the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame, received the “Leadership in Education Award” for her hard-hitting, global environmental reporting. Peter Schivarelli received the “Leadership in Health Award” for helping to raise more than a quarter million dollars for the American Cancer Society in honor of Paqui Kelly, as well as raising more than a million dollars for the Ara Parseghian (of Notre Dame) Foundation by Chicago donating a portion of ticket sales for the last 19 years.

Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly & His Wife Paqui of The Kelly Cares Foundation Honored the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation at the Irish Eyes Gala

Photo: Jon Bon Jovi accepts the “Spirit of Giving Award” on behalf of the JBJ Soul Foundation from Coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui of the Kelly Cares Foundation. (AP)

The Irish Eyes Gala is the Kelly Cares Foundation’s signature event. It celebrates the generosity that serves as a catalyst for immediate, positive change in so many lives. Paqui Kelly is a two-time breast cancer survivor, which inspired them to create The Kelly Cares Foundation.

“I salute tonight’s honorees for their service to their communities, and for making such a positive difference in the world,” said Brian Kelly. “Jon, Dorothea, Anne, and Peter continue to inspire so many of us here and around the world. I want to thank each of you for your generosity, and I wish you continued success as you impact lives in such a meaningful way.”

A check in the amount of $20,014.00 was presented by the Kelly Cares Foundation to the Special Olympics USA in honor of this summer’s Games taking place in New Jersey. Marc Edenzon, CEO and President of Special Olympics New Jersey, and Robert “Bobby” Fredericks, Special Olympics New Jersey athlete and 2014 USA Games participant, accepted the check on behalf of the Games.

“We are so fortunate to be together to honor Jon, Dorothea, Anne, and Peter for their wonderful work,” said Paqui Kelly. “It is also very exciting to support the Special Olympics taking place in New Jersey this summer. As you know, passion for sports runs deep in our family. We are looking forward to great competitions, and great sportsmanship.”

“Accepting the ‘Spirit of Giving Award’ on behalf of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is an honor,” said Jon Bon Jovi. “We are proud to support Coach Brian Kelly and his amazing wife Paqui in their efforts to make a difference in their community through the Kelly Cares Foundation, as well as through all the lives they touch along their journey.”

Anne Thompson said, “The Kelly Cares Foundation is a triple threat in the fight to end cancer. Its focus on health, education and community provides much needed help to those facing this daunting challenge. As a cancer survivor, I am humbled to be honored and proud to help rid the world of this disease.”

“Never did I think I would receive an honor as prestigious as this one, presented by the Kelly Cares Foundation, headed by Brian Kelly, an amazing man and great football coach,” said Peter Schivarelli.

Rev. Bill Dowd, the official chaplain of the New York Giants, opened the program by leading the invocation. Tom Rinaldi, ESPN Commentator, and Jack Nolan, the Voice of the Fighting Irish, served as the evening’s Masters of Ceremonies. The night’s entertainment was provided by Notre Dame Glee Club’s Undertones.

Additional attendees included: Bill Belichick, head football coach of the New England Patriots; Congressman Peter King (R-L.I.), Ray Kelly, and NBC’s Andrea Mitchell.

The Kelly Cares Foundation, now in its fifth year, was founded with the objective of supporting organizations, initiatives and programs that closely align with the goals and values of the Kelly family in the three pillars of Health, Education, and Community. The Foundation is establishing itself as a “Playbook for Hope” in the local community and beyond as it seeks to provide direct and immediate assistance for as many people as possible.

Since its founding in 2008, the Kelly Cares Foundation has donated over $1.3 million to support causes locally, nationally and globally. Organizations that have received contributions from the Kelly Cares Foundation include the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, South Bend Center for the Homeless, Breezy Point Disaster Relief Fund and the Notre Dame Hesburgh Library.

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April 22 2014

Project Home Celebrates Grand Opening of JBJ Soul Homes, Built in Partnership with Jon Bon Jovi, Leigh and John Middleton, and Elizabeth Moran

“The single most effective way to end homelessness is affordable housing,” said Sister Mary Scullion, who co-founded Project HOME in 1989. “Over time, JBJ Soul Homes will give hundreds of people a permanent home with supportive services that will allow them to flourish.”

JBJ Soul Homes’ residents will have access to all Project HOME services including basic medical care and fitness classes through its Health Initiative Program, employment training through its Employment Services Department, education access through its Honickman Learning Center and computer use through its Comcast Technology Labs.

The building received both private and public funding. The lead private funding came from the JBJ Soul Foundation, Leigh and John Middleton, and Elizabeth Moran and the lead public funding came from US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of Philadelphia. People for People, Inc. will manage the retail space and Project HOME is managing the residences.

“The opening of the JBJ Soul Homes is another example of what I like to call, The Power of WE” stated Jon Bon Jovi, Chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. “It is a natural continuation of the work that we do, which started with the youth at Covenant House several years ago.”

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, with its lead gift for the development of this project, provides leadership in affordable housing in Philadelphia and in its Soul Home in Newark, NJ. Mimi Box, JBJ Soul Foundation Director said, “We are committed to promoting innovation and long-lasting solutions to rebuilding pride in one’s self and one’s community, one SOUL at a time.”

JBJ Soul Homes is the second project of the Middleton Partnership. The Middleton Partnership, funded by a transformational leadership gift from Leigh and John Middleton and leveraging the support of both public and private funders, supports Project HOME’s strategy to end chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia over the next few years.

For more information about the JBJ Soul Homes and Project HOME, or how you can help, visit www.projecthome.org.

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April 14 2014

Covenant House to Honor Craig Spencer and JBJSF at ‘A Night of Broadway Stars’ Gala

The all-new show, hosted by Neil Berg, will feature Broadway performances, cocktail hour and a dessert reception with the stars – all to support the lifesaving work of Covenant House! This event will begin at 5:30pm and will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Ballroom A/B, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA.

We are excited to announce that a new, private event has been added prior to A Night of Broadway Stars. Our Board Chairman, Jon Bon Jovi, will play a short acoustic set during an intimate gathering – a once in a lifetime opportunity! Following the event you and your group will be able to have your photo taken with Jon Bon Jovi by our photographer. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the performance will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Tickets to this special pre-show performance are limited to sponsors and available for purchase to individual ticket holders to the A Night of Broadway Stars show. Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Katie at 215-951-5411 or development@covenanthousepa.org for more information.

Covenant House Pennsylvania opened its doors 15 years ago, and has served more than 35,000 youth in crisis. Many are victims of violence, abandonment and abuse or aged out of foster care and showed up on Covenant House’s doorstep on their eighteenth birthday. Since 1999, homeless youth have come to Covenant House for help – for a safe haven and place to stay, a meal and a better opportunity.

Please visit stars.covenanthousepa.org for all the details on how you can be a part of this wonderful evening to support Covenant House.

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April 10 2014

USA WEEKEND Honors 14 Inspiring Grassroots Volunteer Initiatives At The Make A Difference Day Awards

This year’s honorees were selected from thousands of nationwide volunteer initiatives that took place October 26 during the 2013 Make A Difference Day. This year’s winners embraced the spirit of volunteerism with efforts ranging from kids creating bed kits for underprivileged kids to eye surgeons performing cataract surgery free of charge for needy agricultural workers. These efforts have created a lasting and meaningful impact on their communities; the monetary awards will help ensure that the honorees are able to continue their projects.

In addition to the fourteen award winners, Today Show co-hosts Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie were honored at the event for their advocacy of Today’s Shine a Light campaign, promoting volunteerism across the U.S. Additionally, Jon Bon Jovi – the Grammy-award winning musician, philanthropist and founder of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation — was also recognized for his commitment to giving back to the community. NBC News correspondent Jenna Bush Hager served as master of ceremonies for the event.

“Gannett’s purpose is to serve the greater good of the communities we reach and the volunteer efforts that take place on Make A Difference Day inspire us to live that purpose. Every action, big or small, makes an impact and will hopefully serve as an inspiration for many others to join in years to come,” said Jim Lenahan, editor-in-chief of USA WEEKEND.

“Paul Newman was always very enthusiastic about Make A Difference Day and was thrilled to be part of such an initiative. Newman’s Own proudly continues the tradition to help recognize the good that is going on around all of us. The dedication of the people involved in these winning initiatives is incredibly inspiring,” said Tom Indoe, president and COO of Newman’s Own, Inc.

“Points of Light applauds the power that volunteers like these harness to make a real difference – in their communities, throughout the country and around the world,” said Tracy Hoover, president of Points of Light. “We were founded almost 25 years ago by President George H. W. Bush, who has continually advanced the belief that ‘any definition of a successful life includes service to others.’ This year’s awardees clearly embody that definition of success.”

During the awards ceremony, past national honoree, Assistance League of Burbank, CA, was also recognized with the All-Star Award—a $10,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation, a corporate foundation sponsored by Gannett Co., Inc. that supports nonprofits in communities which Gannett serves.

The ten 2013 Make A Difference Day Award honorees are:
• Bailey Snow, Granite Bay, CA
• Elijah Rodriguez, Leonardo, NJ
• Escambia Charter School, Cantonment, FL
• Jessica Carscadden, San Diego, CA
• Jessica Collins, Shelbyville, KY
• Nick Katsoris, Eastchester, NY
• Operation Access, Sonoma County, CA
• Peggy McGee, Green Valley, AZ
• Playworks DC, Washington, DC
• The University of Akron, Akron, OH

The three 2013 City Award honorees are:
• City of Cleveland, TN
• Volunteer Action Center – University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
• Weirton Madonna and Weir High Interact Clubs, Weirton, WV

Make A Difference Day 2014 will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25. For more information, please go to makeadifferenceday.com

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April 1 2014

Joseph’s House of Camden Celebrates Official Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Jon Bon Jovi first visited Joseph’s House in November while it was under construction. Today, he was joined by Camden Mayor Dana Redd; Camden County Freeholder Director Lou Cappelli; Monsignor Robert McDermott, Pastor, St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral; and residents who have benefited from Joseph’s House.

Joseph’s House opened in late January during a Code Blue alert and has continued to serve 75 homeless men and women each night. The Atlantic Avenue facility offers a unique concept as it partners with local agencies to provide social support services and enable its guests to address underlying issues and become self-sufficient. Services and their providers include: medical – Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Project HOPE; addictions – Center for Family Services, Living Proof Recovery Program; mental health – Twin Oaks; legal – South Jersey Legal Services; veterans – Veterans Multi-Service Center and Camden County Board of Social Services.

Previously, Joseph’s House operated as a temporary, six-month facility offering food and shelter for the area’s chronically homeless during the winter.

“Joseph’s House was created especially for our guests – from the building’s design to staff training, healthy meals and expansive support services,” said John Klein, executive director, Joseph’s House. “We’re passionate about providing a safe, comfortable environment where we can not only help our guests feel at home, but also build a relationship based on trust so we can work together and help them move forward in their lives. We’re on this journey together.”

Monsignor McDermott, board chairman of The Joseph Fund and pastor, St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral, helped Klein spearhead the transition of Joseph’s House from a temporary facility into a year-round operation. He says, “Joseph’s House is more than a place to stay on a night-by-night basis. Through help from our community partners, we connect individuals with the services they need to achieve independence. In doing so, we’re helping each of our guests end their individual cycle of homelessness.”

Joseph’s House of Camden Celebrates Official Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

According to the Community Planning & Advocacy Council (CPAC), from October 1, 2013 to March 21, 2014, more than 19,300 homeless adults sought assistance from Camden County agencies, many of which are located in the City of Camden. The most frequent reason provided by these respondents was a job income loss or reduction, followed by reasons such as loss or reduction of benefits, alcohol or drug abuse and illness, among others.

“My Administration, along with the support of City Council, was proud to contribute $125,000 in city funds to the Joseph’s House project,” said Mayor Dana L. Redd. “The partnership between the City, the County of Camden, Jon Bon Jovi and the Soul Foundation, and Joseph’s House will have a positive impact in assisting the homeless population receive shelter and an array of social services in one location.”

In addition to its lead gift from the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, Joseph’s House also received funding from Camden County Freeholders and the Homeless Trust Fund Advisory Committee, City of Camden – Mayor’s Administration and City Council, The Connelly Foundation, Halloran Philanthropies, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Haydinger, International Raw Materials, The Joseph Fund and TD Bank Charitable Foundation.

“We are honored to be able to support Joseph’s House as they work hard to connect with men and women who may not have a safe place to stay at night. This important project fills a gap in homeless services in the Camden area by offering the resources to help end homelessness and is a huge step forward as witnessed by the demand,” said Jon Bon Jovi, Chairman, JBJ Soul Foundation.

Since 2006, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has provided solutions and opportunity for families and individuals in economic despair. The organization assists in establishing programs that provide food and affordable housing for those affected by poverty and homelessness, while supporting social services and job-training programs.

The Soul Foundation has helped provide over 440 units of affordable housing and shelter for hundreds of people who were formerly homeless or of low-income. In October 2011, the Foundation expanded by opening The JBJ Soul Kitchen to address issues of food insecurity, and has since served over 22,500 meals. The community kitchen serves nutritious, culinary dishes in a restaurant atmosphere where diners contribute either volunteer hours or a minimum donation for their meals. As the Foundation continues to expand, the goal is to assist with rebuilding pride in one’s self and one’s community – one SOUL at a time.

Joseph’s House works collaboratively with others to aid the homeless people of Camden by offering a continuum of services including emergency shelter, a range of supportive housing and access to comprehensive social services. For more information on Joseph’s House, visit josephshouseofcamden.org.