1) The creation of THE PHILADELPHIA SOUL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION which is the natural continuation of the exceptional charity work the organization had been doing thus far in Philadelphia and the immediate regions beyond since the team opened up shop in the City of Brotherly Love.
2) The groundbreaking partnership between PROJECT H.O.M.E., SATURN and the PHILADELPHIA SOUL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION to rebuild and renovate 15 row-homes in North Philly, one of the city’s most poverty-stricken neighborhoods. The press conference was held on the street using the shells of homes that would be rebuilt as the backdrop.
3) The announcement by HABITAT FOR HUMANITY that JON BON JOVI will be their new AMBASSADOR worldwide for their efforts.
The emcee of the press conference was the indomitable Sister Mary Scullion of Project H.O.M.E. — she introduced Jon Bon Jovi who spoke to the gathered media and VIPs. He then introduced President William Jefferson Clinton who addressed to the crowd. They were followed by Jill Lajdziak (General Manager of Saturn) and Jonathan Reckford (C.E.O. of Habitat for Humanity International.)
Later that evening, Philadelphia Soul Co-Owner JON BON JOVI performed at the 2006 Liberty Medal at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA. Former Presidents William Jefferson Clinton (42) and George Bush (41) were honored for raising more than $1 billion in aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the South Pacific tsunami. After the ceremony (which included Bon Jovi’s acoustic performance of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,”) the festivities headed inside the Constitution Center where Jon Bon Jovi was the receipient of The City of Brotherly Love Award. Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street presented the award to Jon Bon Jovi; Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell and former President Clinton also praised Jon Bon Jovi, commending the charity work he does with the Philadelphia Soul and the new initiative between the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Saturn and Project HOME announced earlier that day.
www.philadelphiasoulfoundation.org has a copy of the speech Jon Bon Jovi delivered at the October 5th Press Conference archived on this website. We also have a full transcript of the Press Conference, including the speeches delivered by all the other parties, including President Clinton.
