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April 28 2015

Jon Bon Jovi Honored with Lifetime Philanthropy Award

To view photos from the evening visit our Photo Gallery

Below is the press release announcing the Common Wealth Awards.

2015 Recipients to be honored April 25 for Lasting Contributions to Modern Culture

WILMINGTON, Del., March 19, 2015 – Three renowned achievers will be honored for their lifetime accomplishments with the 36th Annual Common Wealth Awards of Distinguished Service. The awards recognize individuals who have enriched modern culture through their professional and personal endeavors.

The 2015 Common Wealth Award recipients are:

Jon Bon Jovi, lead singer of Grammy Award-winning rock band and humanitarian, for Public Service;
Edward Norton, award-winning actor, screenwriter, director, producer and philanthropist, for Public Service;
Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, for Mass Communications.

The honorees will be recognized at the Common Wealth Awards ceremony hosted by The PNC Financial Services Group on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington.

The Common Wealth Awards of Distinguished Service were first presented in 1979 by The Common Wealth Trust which was created under the will of Ralph Hayes, an influential business executive and philanthropist. The awards are now made by The Ralph Hayes Common Wealth Foundation, which is funded by the Common Wealth Trust. PNC Bank, National Association, serves as trustee of the Common Wealth Trust and administrator of the Ralph Hayes Common Wealth Foundation.

In the 36-year history of the Common Wealth Awards, more than $6 million has been awarded to 192 honorees. The 2015 honorees will each receive an award of $75,000.

“The 2015 Common Wealth Award honorees are distinguished achievers in their respective fields who share a broader commitment to global social responsibility,” said Nicholas M. Marsini, Jr. regional president for PNC Bank, Delaware. “We applaud these individuals for their numerous accomplishments and we look forward to their future contributions to society.”

Ralph Hayes, creator of the Common Wealth Awards, served on the board of directors of one of PNC’s predecessor banks in Delaware from 1935 to 1965. Through the awards, he sought to recognize outstanding achievement in eight disciplines: dramatic arts, literature, science, invention, mass communications, public service, government, and sociology. The awards also are an incentive for individuals to make future contributions to the world community.

For three and half decades, the Common Wealth Awards have recognized heads of state, scientists and inventors, explorers, authors, performing artists and activists. Past winners include 11 Nobel laureates, among them, human rights leader Archbishop Desmond Tutu, statesman Henry Kissinger and authors Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Toni Morrison. Other high achievers on the Common Wealth Awards roster include former Secretary of State Colin Powell; H.M. Queen Noor of Jordan; dance legend Mikhail Baryshnikov; Hollywood icons Sidney Poitier and Meryl Streep; astronauts John Glenn and Buzz Aldrin; primatologist Jane Goodall; ocean explorer Robert Ballard; television journalists Walter Cronkite, Wolf Blizter and Jane Pauley; and World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee.

Since 2000, PNC has sponsored the annual Common Wealth Awards writing contest for Delaware high school students who are inspired by the honorees. Students are asked to explain which Common Wealth Awards honoree they most want to meet and why. A winning essay is selected for each honoree. In recognition of their achievement, the students and their parents/guardian are invited to attend the Common Wealth Awards Ceremony and a pre-event reception. To date, 52 student winners representing various Delaware high schools have met the high achievers honored by the Common Wealth Awards.

Jon Bon Jovi

Musically and philanthropically, Jon Bon Jovi’s work honors the spirit of America and salutes the principles that define our nation. Self-reliance, optimism and community are key concepts he embodies, not just in his music, but also in his charitable efforts. These common threads have resulted in millions of dollars raised while bringing heightened awareness to the issues that adversely impact our society.

Mr. Bon Jovi is Chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need “one SOUL at a time.” The Soul Foundation focuses on finding solutions to the issues that force families and individuals into economic despair with programs and partnerships targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. To date, Jon Bon Jovi and the Soul Foundation have provided funding for affordable housing and shelter for thousands of low-income individuals and families throughout the country.

The projects funded by the Soul Foundation address the issues of food and shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Facilities and projects which have benefited range from temporary shelters, transitional housing for teens, permanent supportive housing including housing for vets and special needs populations, as well as home ownership opportunities. In October 2011, the Foundation expanded by opening the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, NJ to address issues of food insecurity, and has since served more than 34,000 meals. The community kitchen serves nutritious, culinary dishes in a restaurant atmosphere where diners contribute either volunteer hours or a minimum donation for their meals. Staying true to Bon Jovi’s roots, the Foundation also aided in local recovery efforts and helped those in need in the days following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The following year, he reaffirmed the band’s ongoing commitment to the people of their home state by donating $1 million to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.

As the Foundation continues to expand, the goal is to assist with rebuilding pride in one’s self and one’s community – one SOUL at a time.

Musically, the Grammy Award winning rock band Bon Jovi has set the bar for over three decades as one of the most successful rock bands in the world. Globally, they have sold more than 130 million albums, performed more than 2,900 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 37.5 million fans. Throughout the years, the band has consistently delivered #1 albums and Top Ten hits – most recently, Mr. Bon Jovi’s 14th album, WHAT ABOUT NOW, debuted at #1 around the globe while the accompanying Tour closed out 2013 as the #1 tour in the world.

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April 14 2015

The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the Peoples Pantry (Inspire NJ), and Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation Join Forces to Form the B.E.A.T. Center

Located in the Silverton section of Toms River, N.J. and accessible by public transportation, The B.E.A.T. Center will serve as an “one-stop shop” catering to the urgent needs of the community by connecting residents to resources such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program also known as food stamps), affordable healthcare and tax preparation services, as well as access to a community food pantry, meals for at-risk children and seniors, and culinary training program.

“As food lines grow longer across our 133 programs in Ocean County and 1 in 10 of our neighbors struggle with hunger, we continue to build collaborative partnerships to expand our food distribution while also providing services for families that help shorten the line. Bringing our complementary programs and services under one roof at The B.E.A.T. Center will leverage our strengths and change lives in Ocean County,” said Carlos M. Rodriguez, Executive Director of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

The B.E.A.T. Center will also house the second location of JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant where diners can pay for their meal by making a minimum suggested donation of $10 each or volunteering. One hour earns volunteers a dining certificate for them and up to four family members.

“The B.E.A.T. Center is a unique model and today’s announcement is the beginning of something great. At the Soul Kitchen, we see each week how food brings families, and communities, together. So we were excited for the JBJ Soul Foundation to join with the FoodBank and The Peoples Pantry to offer several services under one roof—it helps make our diners’ lives a little easier. One meal at a time, we hope to make a sustainable impact on hunger in Ocean County,” said Jon Bon Jovi, chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

Ocean County is New Jersey’s fastest growing county and was “ground zero” for Hurricane Sandy. According to FEMA, over 40,000 structures in the county were damaged or destroyed in the storm – 55% of the state’s total. The creation of The B.E.A.T. Center is in response to the reality that today, more than two years after the storm, there are still thousands of families that are still struggling to regain housing, financial stability and to overcome food insecurity—and they are turning to local agencies in record numbers for assistance. The impact of this collaboration is projected to provide $5 million in support to families in need in its first year.

“Of all of the lessons learned from Sandy, the most jarring one was how financially stretched our middle class neighbors are. This collaboration will allow us to continue our work and provide the services that are so desperately needed and deserved by this underserved demographic,” said Patricia Donaghue, Executive Director of The Peoples Pantry (INSPIRE NJ).

One of The B.E.A.T. Center’s goals is to also establish a strong, visible presence in Ocean County that will raise hunger awareness, attract volunteers and advocates, and encourage food donations and financial support. The B.E.A.T. Center is being launched with initial philanthropic support from The David Tepper Foundation.

“We are excited to contribute to the launch The B.E.A.T. Center,” said David Tepper, founder of The David Tepper Foundation, “This is a unique partnership and a fresh approach to meeting the needs of communities that were hard hit by disasters like Superstorm Sandy and where families are still struggling to recover. We believe that The B.E.A.T. Center can become a model to help families attain food security and financial stability.”

“It is with great honor that we welcome the B.E.A.T. Center to Ocean County. This endeavor has been two years in the making and is needed more now than ever. It has been a privilege for my office and myself to be a part of it,” said Thomas F. Kelaher, mayor of Toms River, N.J.

The B.E.A.T. Center grand opening will take place later this year. For more information and to learn how to help, please visit TheBEATCenter.org.

To view photos from this event, visit our Photo Gallery

To view a video of Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi speaking on the importance of creating The B.E.A.T. Center, visit our Video Gallery

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March 3 2015

Monmouth County’s 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. Breaks Ground on State’s Largest Safe House for Victims of Domestic Violence

To ensure the protection of those it serves, the location of the safe house is kept confidential. The new shelter, located in Monmouth County, is slated to open by year’s end, and will be able to house 45 women and children at a time, up from 25 at its current location.

“Over the past five years, we have had to turn away more than 400 women and their children who needed our help. We simply don’t have the room,” said Anna Diaz-White, Executive Director of 180. “By doubling our capacity, we are in a position to help so many more people in our community.”

When violence forces individuals, children and families to leave their homes, the shelter is a safe haven. Families stay for a period of 30 to 60 days in this temporary home where adults and children can begin to heal, recover, and rebuild their lives. It provides residents with counseling, advocacy and assistance in finding permanent housing. Art therapy and counseling are available for children.

The new facility is designed with 12 individual family bedroom suites with private baths, a communal kitchen, dining and living areas, a teen “rec” room, creative art studios, counseling rooms, and a computer/library resource room. A children’s play area and serenity garden complement this new serene environment.

The shelter will serve victims of domestic violence in Monmouth County, which continues to rank third in the state for reported domestic violence incidents. In New Jersey, an act of domestic violence happens every 7.29 minutes, and is the largest cause of homelessness in the United States.

The State of New Jersey has been a long-time partner in addressing domestic violence and sexual assault through strong laws and funding services for victims and their families. The Christie Administration has been a strong supporter of domestic violence and sexual assault programs throughout New Jersey.

“As a former Monmouth County Sheriff, I have seen the terrible toll domestic abuse takes on families firsthand. Today, we are taking strides to show those affected by domestic abuse that they are not alone at this difficult time, that there is a place where they can find safety, support and the tools for self-sufficiency,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “As we work to combat domestic abuse and assault, 180’s steadfast dedication ensures that shelter is available when the unthinkable happens.”

“I am extremely proud and thankful to our Board of Trustees, supporters and donors. Their tireless efforts have made this day possible,” said Diaz-White. Among the major donors of the Capital Campaign are Verizon Foundation, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, the James and Faith Knight Foundation, and New Jersey Natural Gas.

180 Turning Lives Around is pleased to once again partner with Verizon Wireless – a relationship that began over 15 years ago through the HopeLine from Verizon program.

“Verizon Wireless is proud to support the construction of the new safe house, and in turn, continue its support of the great work of 180 Turning Lives Around which serves so many families in Monmouth County,” said Andrew Testa, Public Relations Manager, Verizon Wireless New York Metro. “This partnership will help us continue our efforts to end domestic violence by supporting local agencies and ensuring that domestic violence survivors in the New York Metro region are getting the support and safe housing that they need.”

HopeLine from Verizon connects survivors of domestic violence to vital resources, funds organizations nationwide and protects the environment. Since the program launched in 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 10 million phones, donated more than $21 million in cash grants to domestic violence agencies across the country, and distributed over 180,000 refurbished phones to domestic violence survivors.

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has partnered with 180 for over a decade, providing funding for 180’s 2NDFLOOR® Youth Helpline, and assistance to 180’s clients through the JBJ Soul Kitchen.

“The JBJ Soul Foundation’s purpose is to ease the burdens of homeless families and provide funding for programs that help those affected by poverty achieve independence and self-sufficiency,” said Jon Bon Jovi in a prepared statement. “180’s Safe House provides the tools for homeless victims of domestic violence to begin to heal and recover. We are proud to support the building of a new safe house in a community in which we already work that will help ensure that families who reach out for shelter aren’t turned away because of lack of space.”

NJNG and 180 Turning Lives Around have been working together since the charity’s earliest years in the 1970’s with funding support provided for 180’s programs, lending executive staff and leadership to the Board of Trustees and Advisory Board, and volunteers for fundraising events.

“For far too long domestic violence has been something that people didn’t want to talk about,” said Kathleen T. Ellis, Chief Operating Officer of New Jersey Natural Gas. “But when one in four women suffers from domestic violence and three out of every four people knows someone who is a victim, we can’t stay quiet any longer. Thankfully there are people like Anna and exceptional organizations like 180 Turning Lives Around that are doing something about it. They are making a difference where it is needed most – in the lives of individuals and families who need help. That is what today is all about, and New Jersey Natural Gas is proud to support their important work to end domestic violence in our communities.”

The Faith and James Knight Foundation are long-standing supporters of 180’s services for survivors of sexual assault. Their ongoing commitment has allowed us to provide rape survivors with a 24-7 hotline, counseling, and accompaniment at all area hospital emergency rooms and police departments. They were among the first to come forward and support our safe house capital campaign so that victims of domestic violence have a welcoming place to begin to rebuild their lives.
“The Faith and James Knight Foundation is committed to improving the lives of women and children in our community,” said Fran Lobl, Vice President of the Faith and James Knight Foundation. “As a supporter of 180 Turning Lives Around for over 15 years, we are pleased to contribute to the building of a new safe house that will accommodate more survivors of domestic abuse and violence.”

“Participation in our Capital Campaign has been tremendous. We have already raised more than three-quarters of our $7.65 million campaign goal,” said Diaz-White. “It is our hope that the rest of the funding will come through members of our caring community who believe, as we do, that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.”

180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. is the sole provider of domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and intervention in Monmouth County for nearly 40 years. Its mission is to end domestic violence and sexual assault in our community by providing crucial and comprehensive services to individuals and families affected by these issues by providing advocacy, leadership, shelter, counseling, art therapy, transitional housing and access to an extensive network of community resources. For more information visit 180nj.org

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February 24 2015

JBJ Soul Kitchen Sponsors Spoon Full of Hope in Monmouth County

“Union Beach, like so many other hard-hit communities in our area, is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy,” said Jon Bon Jovi. “We recognize that by supporting Spoon Full of Hope, we are not only providing families with a hot, nutritious meal in a warm, welcoming setting but also providing hope to those who are still rebuilding their lives.”

JBJ Soul Kitchen Sponsors Spoon Full of Hope in Monmouth County

JBJ Soul Foundation offered to help re-open Spoon Full of Hope after the program lost its funding last summer. The community restaurant follows the JBJ Soul Kitchen’s model as there are no prices on the menu and you could be seated with someone you may not know. It is not a “pay-what-you-can” model, instead patrons can either pay a minimum donation or volunteer an hour of time to earn a dining certificate for a meal that will feed the volunteer and up to four family members. Since reopening, the restaurant has served an average of 70 meals per night, with 50% of meals served to patrons who volunteered as payment.

“We owe a heartfelt thank you to Jon, Dorothea and their amazing staff at JBJ Soul Kitchen for the guidance, opportunity, support and encouragement,” said Gigi Liaguno-Dorr, project manager for Spoon Full of Hope. “This sponsorship is a true blessing that will empower, uplift and enable our community to continue to help each other pay it forward.”

Carl Williamson, pastor of Gateway Church of Christ said that he was excited for the opportunity to partner with Spoon Full of Hope to re-open the community restaurant. “Whether it’s helping a person in-need or someone who is just willing to volunteer to help others, we believe that creating a family-like atmosphere is key to bringing our community together.”

Spoon Full of Hope is the passion project of Liaguno-Dorr, who is the owner of JakeaBob’s Bay. After Hurricane Sandy she relocated the storm-ravaged restaurant to a temporary location naming it JakeaBob’s Off the Bay. She also devoted her time volunteering and distributing meals in Union Beach and later partnered with Gateway Church of Christ in 2013 to open the community kitchen.

“I had seen the need, witnessed the struggles and knew something had to be done. I wanted to create a warm and welcoming environment where neighbors could laugh, cry and encourage each other to keep on pressing forward,” Liaguno-Dorr said. “A helping hand, a hot meal, a friendly face, a conversation and hope—these are life’s most rewarding pleasures.”

For more information, please visit Spoon Full of Hope Community Restaurant’s website and Facebook page.

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November 19 2014

Jon Bon Jovi Receives Marian Anderson Award

Both musically and philanthropically, Jon Bon Jovi’s work honors the spirit of America and salutes the principles that define our nation. Self-reliance, optimism, and community are key concepts he embodies, not just in his music, but also in his charitable efforts. These common threads have resulted in millions of dollars raised while bringing heightened awareness to the issues of homelessness and hunger that adversely impact our society. As Chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need “one SOUL at a time,” he focuses on the issues of food and shelter for individuals and families experiencing hunger and homelessness. In the Philadelphia region, the Foundation has supported a range of organizations, including Project HOME, Covenant House, Rebuilding Together and Northern Children’s Services, as well as Heart of Camden and Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society in Camden, NJ.

Jon Bon Jovi Receives Marian Anderson Award

According to Nina C. Tinari, board chair of the Marian Anderson Award, “Jon Bon Jovi exemplifies the spirit of the Marian Anderson Award, which is to honor an artist whose leadership benefits humanity. We are honored to present him with this award in recognition of his many philanthropic contributions, especially those here in Philadelphia.”

Jon’s opening remarks reflected on the privilege of being named recipient of the Award: “I am deeply humbled to be here tonight to accept this award. I do so fully aware of the rich and powerful legacy of this honor and the many iconic figures who have stood here before me. Each of the recipients of the Marian Anderson Award made great contributions to the arts, of course – but they used their GIFTS to seek change in our society and culture. Marian Anderson, Dr. Maya Angelou, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier – these great men and women were all blessed with tremendous artistic gifts and were all role models in the truest sense of the word. Although they were recognized for their gifts – – we celebrate them for their actions.”

Hosting last evenings gala was award-winning comedian Wanda Sykes. Performing during the prestigious event was rock band The All-American Rejects (performing an acoustic set); British singer-songwriter and Grammy Award-winner, Estelle; American actor, singer-songwriter, and record producer Jon Batiste of Stay Human; as well as 18-year-old Philadelphia violinist Sean Bennett, recipient of the Award’s Young Artist Study Grant, who this past summer attended the world-renowned Interlochen Summer Arts Camp.

In his remarks, Jon spoke about when the Soul Foundation [jbjsf.org] was founded: “We truly could not have known the lives we would touch or the impact it would have. It is the shared belief in the basic dignity of the human soul and HOW with a little hope and opportunity people from all walks of life have the potential to ASPIRE to greatness and along the way INSPIRE others.”

“It is such a special evening because the Marian Anderson Award Gala is the one night of the year in Philadelphia when we celebrate the unique capacity of the artist to change the world, “ said Tinari. She added, “This event allows us to celebrate the spirit and accomplishments of Marian Anderson and fulfill her intentions to support young, talented artists, like Sean Bennett, so that he and others like him will get the instruction needed to reach their full potential.”

The Young Artist Study Grant program (YASG) is administered with the support of Marian Anderson Award partner, the University of the Arts, and is also made possible through a new partnership with Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. YASG is designed to support high school-age artists who have financial challenges. Funds raised through the annual award gala help support this initiative and benefit over 20 students each year.

ABOUT THE MARIAN ANDERSON AWARD
The Marian Anderson Award was created in 1998 to celebrate critically acclaimed artists – individuals who have used their talents for personal artistic expression and whose body of work has contributed to our society in a singular manner. It is named in memory of the legendary singer and distinguished Philadelphian, Marian Anderson. Previous honorees include Harry Belafonte, Gregory Peck, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Quincy Jones, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, Sidney Poitier, Richard Gere, Maya Angelou and Norman Lear, James Earl Jones, and Berry Gordy.