Author Archives: Heather Goldfarb

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December 7 2022

CHICKIE’S AND PETE’S TEAMS UP WITH JBJ SOUL FOUNDATION TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER & HOMELESSNESS

The duo will raise funds & awareness through in-store fundraising and an enter-to-win sweepstakes featuring 5 personalized, autographed, “Caravan Sound” Acoustic guitars signed by Jon Bon Jovi

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Dec. 7, 2022- Local restaurant group Chickie’s & Pete’s is joining forces with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to raise money for individuals and families fighting hunger and homelessness during the holiday season. Since 2006, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has worked to break the cycle of hunger, poverty, and homelessness through developing partnerships, creating programs, and providing grant funding to support innovative community benefit organizations.

From 12/5/2022 – 1/1/2023 at participating Chickie’s and Pete’s locations across PA and NJ, guests will have the opportunity to donate after their meal and add their name to a paper guitar, which will be placed around the restaurant to show their support of this cause. Guests will also be able to enter to win a personalized, autographed “Caravan Sound” Acoustic guitar signed by Jon Bon Jovi. Guests can donate at any time during their Chickie’s and Pete’s visit and all sweepstakes entries can be made through their phones.

“We are thankful to Chickie’s & Pete’s for supporting the JBJ Soul Foundation this holiday season,” said Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of the JBJ Soul Foundation. “The Foundation has provided funding for emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing, meal programs and more throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey. People can feel good about their donations as the funds raised by this partnership will go right back into the surrounding communities to help those who are less fortunate.”

The Foundation started its work through the localized efforts of the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Team and its owners, which included Jon Bon Jovi. The Foundation quickly expanded its mission and has a national presence in its commitment to finding innovative solutions to end hunger and homelessness. Working with corporate partners like Chickie’s and Pete’s has helped to make this possible.

“Chickie’s and Pete’s has been a long-time partner of ours going back to the very beginning of the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football team where the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation started,” said Craig Spencer, Co-Chairman of the JBJ Soul Foundation. “Working with Pete once again is something we are excited about as he has always stepped up to help where he can. We appreciate his support and friendship and look forward to using the funds raised this holiday season to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

“We’re ecstatic to be teaming up with my longtime friend, Jon Bon Jovi, and the JBJ Soul Foundation. It’s an honor to be able to work together to fight the impacts of hunger and homelessness right before the holiday season.” Peter Ciarrocchi, Chairman and CEO of Chickie’s & Pete’s.

About Chickie’s and Pete’s

Chickie’s & Pete’s is a Philadelphia-based crab house and sports bar with 17 locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and a brand-new location in Las Vegas. Founded in 1977 by Peter and Henrietta Ciarrocchi, Chickie’s & Pete’s began as a single corner bar in the Mayfair neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia and has since grown to become one of the most recognizable brands in the region. It’s famous, one-of-a-kind Crabfries® concession locations can be found in stadiums, areas, boardwalks, and amusement parks throughout the country. Chickie’s & Pete’s is a leader in forging innovative strategic partnerships and utilizing technology to bring together casual dining with interactive sports entertainment. The company combines family-based vales with a love of all things sports and entertainment in each of its locations. Learn more at chickiesandpetes.com

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November 29 2022

Giving Tuesday 2022 – Help Us Make a Difference

With the cold weather upon us, overnight guests at the JBJ & PBC Hope and Comfort Warming Center in Red Bank, NJ need supplies to help make their stay comfortable during Code Blue Nights. The Warming Center provides the local homeless community a safe and secure location during below-freezing temperatures.

This Giving Tuesday, our Amazon Wish List will further our mission of providing men in-need with temporary shelter, safety, food and community-based resources in a safe environment, on the coldest winter days. Last winter, the JBJ & PBC Hope and Comfort Warming Center helped over 875 men and this winter we are preparing for even more due to the already cold temperatures.

Please considering joining us in this global generosity movement. Wish List items range from shirts, pants, socks, and hats to coffee, snacks, backpacks, and personal hygiene items.

Together, We Give.

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November 1 2022

Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi Close Out 10th Annual Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy

The 10^th 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 10^th 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.

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September 30 2022

JBJ Soul Kitchen 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off

TOMS RIVER, NJ – One of our most popular fundraising events is back! The JBJ Soul Kitchen 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off, Presented by Vydia, honors and thanks local first responders for their dedicated service to our community. JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River will host its 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, October 16 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at 1769 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, NJ. Fire, EMS and police departments, as well as First AID Squads, participate for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the annual Fall event. For a $20 Pay It Forward donation, guests are given the opportunity to taste all the featured chili entries and vote for their favorite. Healthy, seasonal appetizers created by Executive Chef Rob Wood will be available for all guests. Free children’s activities provided by Home Run Party Entertainment, including face painting, balloon twisting, glitter tattoos & more!

“Our Chili Cook-Off is a great yearly event that everyone loves and looks forward to,” said Lou Morreale, General Manager of both restaurants. “The competition is fierce, and the victory is sweet! Not to mention, the Chili Chef First Responders that compete are super creative with their take on chili!”

An additional opportunity to purchase ceramic bowls from the “Every Bowl Feeds a Soul” Empty Bowls Event will be available for a $20 Pay It Forward donation. Your donation feeds families and individuals in need. Bowls were hand-crafted by students throughout New Jersey as a part of a year-long effort to raise hunger awareness in our area.

“This is one of my favorite events,” said Joanne Gwin, Community Coordinator of JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River. “It is an opportunity for everyone attending to be part of something bigger than themselves. Everyone attending the event Pays It Forward with their entrance fee, and each Pay It Forward provides a meal for someone in the community who is facing food insecurity.”

Fulfill’s People’s Pantry, of The B.E.A.T. Center, will be hosting a “Holiday Wish List” food drive during the Chili Cook-Off. They are asking attendees to bring non-perishable food items such as canned vegetables, boxed potatoes and stuffing, spices, baking items and mixes, and the donation of manual can openers is also greatly appreciated! This will be in effort to help make the holidays a bit brighter for those who are suffering from food insecurity.

Where: JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River, 1769 Hooper Avenue Toms River, NJ 08753

List of Expected Participants (subject to change) – Be sure to support your local first responders!

Lanoka Harbor EMS
Melrose Hose Company/Sayreville Fire Department
NJ State Police-Holmdel
Ocean County Sheriffs PBA Local 379
President Park Fire Co/Sayreville Fire Department
Sayreville Engine Co #1/Sayreville Fire Department
Sayreville Police Department
Six Flags EMS
Toms River Fire Co #1
Union Beach Police Department

For Additional Information: https://jbjsoulkitchen.org/chili-cook-off/

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May 11 2022

JBJ Soul Foundation Joins HELP USA to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Affordable Housing for Veterans and Seniors

HELP USA, Philadelphia Housing Authority, The City of Philadelphia, and The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Open New Affordable Housing for Veterans and Seniors

– HELP USA transforms unused Reynolds School into 55 apartments and support space for seniors and homeless veterans –

(May 11, 2022) Philadelphia – National housing nonprofit HELP USA, in partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, PHDC, and the City of Philadelphia, celebrated the grand opening of The Brigadier General Hazel Johnson Brown Veterans Center at HELP Philadelphia VI. The renovation of the former school in the Sharswood neighborhood of North Philadelphia created 55 units of housing for seniors and homeless veterans.

“Opening our sixth project in Philadelphia is a significant milestone,” said David Cleghorn, Chief Housing Officer at HELP USA. “This building will provide housing and support services to people in need. Its transformation from an abandoned building into an asset for the neighborhood and the city exemplifies the best kind of public-private collaborations.”

The 51 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom apartments are designated for low-income seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Nine units have been set aside expressly for formerly homeless or special needs veterans. The building also houses a community room, health-service spaces, and office space for supportive services.

“We strongly support this development of Veterans housing for worthy veterans who need safe, affordable places to call home in Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Council President Darrell Clarke. “These men and women served our Country admirably; now, it’s time we served them, and this development helps us all towards that worthy goal.”

The project serves as a partner to Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Sharswood Blumberg Neighborhood Choice Revitalization Plan. This ambitious plan is already working to radically transform the neighborhood from high-rise public housing to a more residential scale by renovating senior housing and constructing single-family townhouses.

“It is an honor to again support our great community partner HELP USA in its mission to provide homes for the people most in need, particularly our formerly homeless veterans,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah. “Our commitment includes funding of more than $1,000 a month for the next 20 years for 49 of the units in this building, and a long-term $1.5 million loan. The conversion of this formerly vacant school building represents the latest addition to the ongoing, incredible transformation of Sharswood that PHA is privileged to lead.”

The project has received widespread support, including endorsements from Governor Tom Wolf, Mayor Jim Kenney, Council President Darrell Clarke, State Senator Sharif Street, and former U.S. Representative Bob Brady.

“PHDC is proud to be a part of this development that helps house our seniors and homeless veterans,” said David Thomas, CEO of PHDC. “Our commitment to affordable housing and community development through financing, land, and other solutions are important to projects like this. The Reynolds School, once used to educate our children, has been repurposed to become the Brigadier General Hazel Johnson Brown Veterans Center, helping house some of our most vulnerable residents in Philadelphia.”

Construction funding was provided by local, state, and federal partners and through generous contributions from the philanthropic world including Home Depot, and lead funder, the Jon Bon Jovi SOUL Foundation.

“The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is proud to once again partner with our friends at HELP USA”, said Leo Carlin, President of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. “Joining forces on this project in Philadelphia was important to us as it addresses a huge need in this community by providing not only a safe place for people to call home, but also services that can help shape the rest of their lives. The JBJ Soul Foundation has always believed that projects like this one are made possible by organizations from all sectors coming together to make a difference and we are thrilled to be one of them.”

About HELP USA – HELP USA is one of the nation’s largest homeless service providers and low-income housing developers serving at-risk populations, including families, veterans, and victims of domestic violence. HELP USA currently serves more than 8,000 people every day at over 50 programs and residences across five states. Since its founding in 1986, HELP USA has served more than 500,000 men, women, and children and developed more than 2,500 units of housing.