Author Archives: Heather Goldfarb

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 December 3 2024 

Mistletoe Rock Radiothon 2024

Join Us for the Mistletoe Rock Radiothon to Benefit JBJ Soul Kitchen!

We are beyond excited to announce that JBJ Soul Kitchen has once again been chosen as the beneficiary of the 107.1 The Boss Mistletoe Rock Radiothon! Your incredible support last year helped raise much-needed funds that went directly toward our mission of fighting food insecurity in the communities we serve. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to continue providing meals for those who are unable to afford them, but the need is growing.

The Mistletoe Rock Radiothon is a full day of live broadcasts on 107.1 The Boss, featuring music, inspiring stories from our community, and updates on how your donations are directly helping us in the fight against food insecurity. This year’s Radiothon included live broadcasts from JBJ Soul Kitchen locations in Red Bank, Toms River, and the Freehold Raceway Mall. As always, hourly prize incentives for donors helped keep things fun and exciting throughout the day.

The event took place on Friday, December 6th and thanks to the generosity of so many, we raised $56,252 during this year’s Radiothon. These donations will help provide over 2,800 meals to those who need them most. We are beyond grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, and supported us in any way. With the help of 107.1 The Boss and our community, we’ve raised $128,483 to further our mission of fighting hunger and providing warm meals for all.

“I want to thank the wonderful staff of 107.1 The Boss and our sponsors. Our radiothon is a powerful testament to the generosity and spirit of community that defines JBJ Soul Kitchen. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share the work of our small but mighty organization, and the impact we have in our community even as we see our in-need population increase, many of whom work, but are unable to make ends meet,” said Dorothea Bongiovi, Founder of JBJ Soul Kitchen.

Thanks to you, we can continue offering a safe space where people can enjoy a warm meal and the company of others. Your support truly makes a difference, and we couldn’t be more thankful! Together, we’re fighting hunger, bringing our community closer, and making a real impact in the fight against food insecurity.

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 October 3 2024 

JBJ Soul Kitchen Receives Innovation in Economic Development Award

October 2024 – We’re honored that JBJ Soul Kitchen has received the Innovation in Economic Development Award at the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development! Our Executive Director, Heather Goldfarb, accepted this award, which recognizes our ongoing efforts to support individuals and families facing food insecurity.

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 September 24 2024 

9th Annual Chili Cook-Off to Celebrate First Responders and Support Food Insecurity

TOMS RIVER, NJ – On Saturday, October 12, 2024, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River hosted their 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off, a tribute to the dedicated service of first responders across New Jersey. This event successfully brought the community together to celebrate first responders while supporting JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission of addressing food insecurity.

Our 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off was our biggest yet, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us! This year’s event featured delicious chili, enthusiastic competitors, and a supportive community, making for a fantastic day.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Vydia, for their continued support of JBJ Soul Kitchen. Their generosity helps us in our mission to fight food insecurity during a time when we need help the most. As of the end of September, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River has served 72% of our meals to guests who were unable to pay and volunteered at the restaurant for their meal.

Thank you to all first responder participants who joined us for the 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Your continued commitment to keeping our community safe is truly appreciated, and we’re honored to have you as part of this event.

All 13 First Responder Participants:

  • Belleville Fire Department
  • Elizabeth Fire Department
  • Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Lanoka Harbor EMS
  • Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
  • New Jersey State Police NCO Association
  • Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Ocean County Sheriff’s PBA Local 379
  • Pine Beach Police Department
  • Rutgers University Police Department
  • Toms River Fire Company #1
  • Toms River PBA 137
  • Union Beach Police Department

Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Rutgers University Police Department
2nd Place: Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
3rd Place: Union Beach Police Department
Best Dressed: Toms River PBA 137
Best Table: Rutgers University Police Department

Thanks to all our sponsors for making this event possible:

  • Ultimate Chili Sponsor: Arden Group
  • Smokin’ Hot Sponsor: Steel Horse
  • Hot Zone 50/50 Sponsor: D. Ryan Landscapes
  • Chili Champion Sponsor: Caroline Rafferty Interiors, LLC
  • Guitar Raffle Sponsor: Honeygrow
  • Top Chef Award Sponsor: Monmouth Medical Center
  • Cooling Station Sponsor: Carlin Family
  • Cup of Joe Station Sponsor: Brandywine Gables
  • Table Sponsor: Mehul Choksi – Salaried
  • Chair Sponsor: Yeehoo Press
  • Chili Sponsor: PernaFrederick
    Donation Sponsors:
  • Farros
  • Soldier On
  • Mr. Happy Party Rentals

We are thrilled with the turnout and support from our community, and we can’t wait to see everyone at our next event! Stay tuned for more updates from JBJ Soul Kitchen as we continue our mission to provide nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity.

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 August 27 2024 

Chance For Change

On August 26, 2024, at the Red Bank Train Station, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, in collaboration with NJ TRANSIT, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ), and Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV), launched the Chance for Change program. This initiative offers a new, secure way for NJ TRANSIT customers to make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders.

One compelling example is Lasheema Edwards, who, while pursuing her Ph.D. in psychology at Grand Canyon University, ended up homeless in Penn Station due to untreated mental illness. Her story underscores the diverse and often complex challenges faced by individuals in need.

To support homeless assistance programs, NJ TRANSIT has implemented QR codes at its facilities, offering commuters an easy way to donate. This initiative aims to shift contributions away from panhandlers and towards established social service organizations specializing in outreach, healthcare, and housing. As NJ Transit Police Department Chief Christopher Trujillo noted, giving directly to individuals can sometimes unintentionally support harmful behaviors. The Chance for Change program ensures that donations go to trusted partners who are making a real difference.

The Chance for Change platform is available online and through QR codes displayed at NJ TRANSIT facilities, on digital screens, social media, and the NJ TRANSIT mobile app. This program guarantees that every donation directly benefits those in need, providing access to food, mental health services, and pathways to stable housing.

With Chance for Change, your generosity becomes a lifeline for many, making a lasting impact on our community. To learn more about this program and how it supports those in need, click here to read the full press release.

To contribute to the Chance for Change program, please click here to make a donation.

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 July 8 2024 

Donate to Support JBJSF and Enter for a Chance to Join Bon Jovi for a Private Performance

By supporting the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation with your donation, you not only contribute to ending hunger, poverty, and homelessness but also stand a chance to win an unforgettable experience. The contest closes on July 9th!

  • Round trip travel to Boston, MA, and 2-night hotel accommodations for two (2) on Cape Cod
  • Photo opportunity with Bon Jovi
  • Two (2) passes to the exclusive Audacy Beach House event on Cape Cod to see Bon Jovi perform on Friday, July 19, 2024
  • Bon Jovi-signed guitar
  • Gift card for car rental or car service

Your donation supports our mission to create positive change in communities across the country. Join us in making a difference today!

Click here to enter contest.