On Tuesday, April 21st, 2009, JON BON JOVI was honored by the FOOD BANK for NEW YORK CITY for his philanthropic efforts at the Sixth Annual Can-Do Awards Dinner. The dinner was held at Abigail Kirsch's Pier Sixy at Chelsea Piers along the Hudson River.
The program for the evening noted: "Self-reliance, optimism and community are key concepts Jon Bon Jovi refers to, not just in his music, but also when articulating his desire to aid Americans without affordable housing, job training, counsesling and other such services. These concepts are a common thread among all the charities, corportations, and private donors that he has united in unique parnerships over the past several eyars. Jon Bon Jovi's ongoing support for local, national and international organizations has resulted in millions of dollars raised while bringing heightened awareness to the issues that adversely impact humanity."
"Some of Jon Bon Jovi's notable charitable works include the Habitat for Humanity; Kenneth Cole's RSVP to Help campaign, as well as the launch of a limited edition outerwear collection with Kenneth Cole New York with proceeds benefitting HELP USA; Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia, and of course his own Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation. Founded in 2005, the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to brining about positive change and helping the lives of those in need "one Soul at a time." The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation exists to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair with programs and partnerships targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Through 2008, Jon Bon Jovi and the Soul Foundation have provided funding to provide 140 units of affordable housing for low-income individuals and families."
Friends Maria Cuomo Cole & Kenneth Cole introduced Jon and presented him with his Can Do Award and then Jon addressed those in attendance (including Steve Buschemi, John Ventimiglia, Steve Schirripa, Mariska Hargitay, Stanley Tucci, Jimmy Fallon, Josh Charles, Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Helena Christensen, Katie Lee Joel, Isaac Mizrahi, Kenneth & Maria Cuomo Cole, Rachel Ray, Emeril Lagasse, Anthony Bourdain, Rocco Dispirito, Tom Colicchio, NY Giant Chris Canty and event co-chair Mario Batali.)
*Towards the end of the evening, former President William Jefferson Clinton surprised everyone, including the guest of honor, by arriving at the event and taking to the podium to praise Jon Bon Jovi's philanthropic works. Truly a great evening, benefiting a very worthy and growing cause.
A portion of Jon Bon Jovi's speech can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Footage of Stanley Tucci (the event emcee) and Mario Batali (event co-chair) talking about Jon can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
For more information on the FOOD BAND FOR NEW YORK CITY please CLICK HERE.
Congratulations to Jon Bon Jovi and the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, for the accomplishments so far and the work yet to be done...
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