Jon Bon Jovi wants to help ‘one soul at a time’ and through his non-profit organization Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, he has tackled problems like homelessness and food scarcity.
Despite making a name through music, the 57-year-old singer and songwriter is also an active philanthropist who believes that giving back to the community is pivotal.
For most celebrities of his rank who reduce their charity work to photo ops and promotions, the singer is doing his best to help those in need.
Together with his wife Dorothea Hurley, they’ve opened up 2 community restaurants to help deal with food insecurity and give the opportunity to those who don’t have sufficient resources to get a free meal.
A Musician & a Philanthropist
The coupe launched the first JBJ Soul Kitchen in New Jersey in 2011 to feed and empower the ones who need it the most.
The menu is without prices and there’s an ability to make a $20 donation. There’s no need to worry if you can’t donate- free meals are available for everyone.
Five years later, the couple opened up a second Soul Kitchen in New Jersey. The location is bigger and there’s greater impact on the Toms River community.
Their goal has always been to trigger positive change and tackle the problems of homelessness and hunger. They’re also working with resources and partners to meet the community’s needs.
Good Work Doesn’t Go Unnoticed
According to the website of the foundation, the soul kitchens have served 105,893 meals to date of which only 54 were paid with donations.
Despite this, the singer emphasizes that everyone who comes to the restaurant gets quality food. They serve a 3-course meal from American Regional cuisine and you can start with a choice of a salad or soap.
The entrée can be fish, meat or some vegetarian option. For the end of the course, you get a fresh dessert of your choosing. The chefs make the dishes with natural and local ingredients from the Soul Kitchen Farm.
Jon Bon Jovi says that it doesn’t matter if you’re young, old, black or white, Republican or Democrat- poverty is a problem which could happen to anyone. Their mission is to create an affordable and accessible way to bring people together.
Through his foundation, motivated to make a change and contribute for a better tomorrow, he has helped afford more than 500 homes to people in need in 10 different states.
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