Author Archives: Soul Foundation

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November 3 2011

Jon Bon Jovi To Attend Heart of Camden Gala

The gala will take place on December 2, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill.

Monsignor Michael J. Doyle was the recipient of the “Small Things Great Love” award last year which recognizes the powerful impact of extending a helping hand to those in need and acknowledges the difference seemingly small things can make in a person’s life. The work of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in Camden is in keeping with this theme and focuses on the importance of helping the community, “one soul at a time.”

Jon Bon Jovi’s interest in Camden began in early 2000 when he became acutely aware of the city’s needs and pledged the help of his Foundation to assist with a variety of projects throughout the city. Projects included building a house for young adults in north Camden, rehabilitating houses in the east and south sections of the city and cleaning up blighted lots in the center of the city, all with the goal of providing decent housing and improving the lives of the people of Camden.

According to Helene Pierson Executive Director of The Heart of Camden, Inc., the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation arrived in Camden at a critical time. “The economy was spiraling downward and the need for family support and housing in particular, was at an all-time high,” she said. “We couldn’t be more pleased that Jon will attend our event and allow us to recognize the outstanding work done by his Foundation,” Pierson added.

Last year’s gala raised $200,000 in support of the Community Center/Gymnasium in South Camden which will open in early December.

We appreciate the honor to accept this award and are pleased to announce that the Heart of Camden Gala is now SOLD OUT.

Jon Bon Jovi is on the cover of SJ Magazine this month! Be sure to check out the article as he discusses our involvement in Camden and the inspiring work done by our community partners.

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November 1 2011

A note from Jon Bon Jovi

At a time when 1 in 5 families are living at or below the poverty line and 1 in 6 children in NJ are food insecure, this is a restaurant whose time has come. The JBJ Soul Kitchen is also a model that can be replicated in your town.

I want to thank everyone who made this vision a reality, all of the staff, volunteers, contractors, those who have donated money, time and words of encouragement, those who have come to eat or just to check us out on the web.

If you are in the Red Bank area, come down and check us out, lend a hand, make a friend or two, and by the way, eat!

See you soon…JBJ

Check out our Photo Gallery from our Grand Opening Celebration on October 19th, 2011

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October 19 2011

THE JON BON JOVI SOUL FOUNDATION CELEBRATES OPENING OF THE SOUL KITCHEN IN RED BANK, NJ ON OCTOBER 19

Joined by local dignitaries, individuals and partnering local non-profit organizations, Jon thanked the Kitchen’s “friends and neighbors” who have assisted in the two-year endeavor to open the permanent location – among them Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna, former Mayor Ed McKenna and the President of the Parker Family Health Center, Dr. Eugene Cheslock.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen began serving meals in 2009, utilizing two different pilot locations and assessing the patrons’ needs and response to the model, before renovating an old 1,100 square foot auto-body shop as the Kitchen’s new, permanent location.

“At a time when 1 in 5 households are living at or below the poverty level, and at a time when 1 out of 6 Americans are food insecure, this is a restaurant whose time has come. This is a place based on and built on community – by and for the community,” said Jon Bon Jovi today.

Inspired by the old adage, “teach a man to fish,” diners in need who come to the Soul Kitchen are empowered – they have earned a seat at the table for themselves and their families through volunteer hours at the Kitchen or other local organizations. They are served nutritious culinary dishes by the wait-staff in a lovely restaurant atmosphere with the dignity of having earned their meal. On the other hand, patrons who can afford to dine anywhere are rewarded with not only a delicious meal but with the knowledge that by dining out and leaving the suggested donation, they’ve contributed to their community.

In addition to the Soul Kitchen’s own organic gardens, natural food is being provided by Whole Foods Market Middletown, in partnership with their vendors, many of whom are from New Jersey and the surrounding areas.

By adopting the community kitchen concept, the JBJ Soul Foundation has expanded its efforts – from affordable housing to hunger – as it celebrates its fifth anniversary as a non-profit organization.

HOURS OF OPERATION:
The JBJ Soul Kitchen is currently open from 5-7 Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Address:
207 Monmouth St.
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Reservation line: (732) 842-0900
Learn more: www.jbjsoulkitchen.org

To watch the Live Stream from our JBJ Soul Kitchen Press Conference, please visit the Video section of our website.

JBJ Soul Kitchen on the Today Show (air date: 10/21/2011)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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October 18 2011

TUNE INTO JBJSF.ORG THIS WEDNESDAY FOR EXCITING NEWS

As a non-profit organization, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need. The Foundation has taken our commitment to our community one step further with the establishment of our current project, the JBJ Soul Kitchen. As a community restaurant, the JBJ Soul Kitchen works to provide healthy and delicious meals to those in need. Click here to learn more about our Soul Kitchen!

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September 23 2011

Sugarland Donates Concert Tickets and Backstage Meet & Greet to Benefit JBJSF

Terms: 2 tickets for October 22, 2011 concert at Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA. Cannot be resold or re-auctioned. Includes brief meet and greet and photo opportunity. Travel and accommodations not included.

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is a PA non-profit corporation established in May 2006 to combat the issues that force individuals and families into economic despair. Tax Exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code has been granted by the IRS. Our registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll free within PA, 1(800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. New Jersey Charitable Registration Number: CH3233000