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\nJon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea accepted the inaugural \u201cSpirit of Giving Award\u201d on behalf of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation<\/b> and its work to combat hunger and homelessness. Anne Thompson, a member of the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame, received the \u201cLeadership in Education Award\u201d for her hard-hitting, global environmental reporting. Peter Schivarelli received the \u201cLeadership in Health Award\u201d for helping to raise more than a quarter million dollars for the American Cancer Society in honor of Paqui Kelly, as well as raising more than a million dollars for the Ara Parseghian (of Notre Dame) Foundation by Chicago donating a portion of ticket sales for the last 19 years.<\/p>\n\n
Photo: Jon Bon Jovi accepts the “Spirit of Giving Award” on behalf of the JBJ Soul Foundation from Coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui of the Kelly Cares Foundation. (AP)<\/i><\/p>\n
The Irish Eyes Gala is the Kelly Cares Foundation\u2019s signature event. It celebrates the generosity that serves as a catalyst for immediate, positive change in so many lives. Paqui Kelly is a two-time breast cancer survivor, which inspired them to create The Kelly Cares Foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI salute tonight\u2019s honorees for their service to their communities, and for making such a positive difference in the world,\u201d said Brian Kelly. \u201cJon, Dorothea, Anne, and Peter continue to inspire so many of us here and around the world. I want to thank each of you for your generosity, and I wish you continued success as you impact lives in such a meaningful way.\u201d<\/p>\n
A check in the amount of $20,014.00 was presented by the Kelly Cares Foundation to the Special Olympics USA in honor of this summer\u2019s Games taking place in New Jersey. Marc Edenzon, CEO and President of Special Olympics New Jersey, and Robert \u201cBobby\u201d Fredericks, Special Olympics New Jersey athlete and 2014 USA Games participant, accepted the check on behalf of the Games.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so fortunate to be together to honor Jon, Dorothea, Anne, and Peter for their wonderful work,\u201d said Paqui Kelly. \u201cIt is also very exciting to support the Special Olympics taking place in New Jersey this summer. As you know, passion for sports runs deep in our family. We are looking forward to great competitions, and great sportsmanship.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAccepting the \u2018Spirit of Giving Award\u2019 on behalf of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is an honor,\u201d said Jon Bon Jovi. \u201cWe are proud to support Coach Brian Kelly and his amazing wife Paqui in their efforts to make a difference in their community through the Kelly Cares Foundation, as well as through all the lives they touch along their journey.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
Anne Thompson said, \u201cThe Kelly Cares Foundation is a triple threat in the fight to end cancer. Its focus on health, education and community provides much needed help to those facing this daunting challenge. As a cancer survivor, I am humbled to be honored and proud to help rid the world of this disease.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever did I think I would receive an honor as prestigious as this one, presented by the Kelly Cares Foundation, headed by Brian Kelly, an amazing man and great football coach,\u201d said Peter Schivarelli.<\/p>\n
Rev. Bill Dowd, the official chaplain of the New York Giants, opened the program by leading the invocation. Tom Rinaldi, ESPN Commentator, and Jack Nolan, the Voice of the Fighting Irish, served as the evening\u2019s Masters of Ceremonies. The night\u2019s entertainment was provided by Notre Dame Glee Club\u2019s Undertones.<\/p>\n
Additional attendees included: Bill Belichick, head football coach of the New England Patriots; Congressman Peter King (R-L.I.), Ray Kelly, and NBC\u2019s Andrea Mitchell.<\/p>\n
The Kelly Cares Foundation, now in its fifth year, was founded with the objective of supporting organizations, initiatives and programs that closely align with the goals and values of the Kelly family in the three pillars of Health, Education, and Community. The Foundation is establishing itself as a \u201cPlaybook for Hope\u201d in the local community and beyond as it seeks to provide direct and immediate assistance for as many people as possible.<\/p>\n
Since its founding in 2008, the Kelly Cares Foundation has donated over $1.3 million to support causes locally, nationally and globally. Organizations that have received contributions from the Kelly Cares Foundation include the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, South Bend Center for the Homeless, Breezy Point Disaster Relief Fund and the Notre Dame Hesburgh Library.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kelly Cares Foundation Presented a Check to the Special Olympics USA to Support this Summer\u2019s Games in New Jersey<\/i><\/p>\n
(April 24, 2014 \u2013 New York, NY) – The Kelly Cares Foundation, established by Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui, honored the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation<\/b>, and Notre Dame alumni Anne Thompson, NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent, and Peter Schivarelli, Manager of the band Chicago, at its Irish Eyes Gala on Wednesday, April 23rd at the Sheraton Times Square in Manhattan. The gala raised over $800,000 which will support causes locally, nationally, and globally.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":344,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[31,8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n