The 10th Annual Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy took place in New York City on September 23, 2022. This annual event brought together over 100 of the world’s leading philanthropists, social entrepreneurs and business leaders for critical discussions on how to apply wealth and resources to solve today’s most intractable problems.
Forbes invited Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation (JBJSF) and Dorothea Bongiovi, Founder & Program Director of JBJ Soul Kitchen, to speak in a fireside chat discussion. At the 10th Annual Event, Jon and Dorothea were the closing speakers, where in the first annual event, they opened this discussion that brings people together to strengthen society. This year’s summit focused on one particular challenge – global food insecurity – which demands the innovative, solutions-oriented attention of the world’s most successful people. This is an issue that both the JBJSF and JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission are built upon, as they continue to break the cycle of poverty, hunger and homelessness.
“Paying it forward is effecting change directly,” said Jon Bon Jovi as he discussed the goals of JBJSF in conversation with Randall Lane. He continued, “We’re effecting change one person at a time,” a foundation which JBJ Soul Kitchen is so proud to be built upon. By understanding the needs of the individuals, the team at JBJ Soul Kitchen is able to find the appropriate resources to help their patrons.
In order to stay focused on the work at hand, Dorothea Bongiovi stated, “You just have to put your head down and continue to put one step in front of the other. Do what you can do. If everyone did that, things would get a little bit better.” As both JBJSF and JBJ Soul Kitchen navigate the challenges of food insecurity and homelessness, the organizations rely on the generous donations of their supporters. Without the teamwork of the staff and volunteers, and the support of our very generous donors, this mission would not be possible. Please join us in helping to end this fight. Donate today.
