More than likely, you have heard about Bon Jovi and you may even have followed his career for many years. After all, he is an icon in the music industry and he has also played on some TV shows and done quite well with his acting career. Some women (and men) think that he is the most attractive male artist and he has won a number of awards for that as well.
Although he may wear many different hats, there is one particular hat that most people don’t really consider. It is the fact that he does charity work, so he isn’t only playing on the stage or on our TV, he is helping people in local communities. There are many celebrities who do this type of work but Bon Jovi seems to work behind the scenes. That includes a project he is working on where he has served over 100,000 meals to those who need it.
“All are welcome at our table”
His nonprofit organization, Soul Kitchen is operated by an organization, JBJ Foundation. There are no prices on the plates of food at the kitchen, but you do have an option of paying the bill if you like. Making a $20 donation is suggested but even if you’re unable to do so, including if you’re homeless, you are welcome to come enjoy dinner at the restaurant.
51% of the meals that are served every day are paid for by donations. The rest are covered by voluntary work that people do who don’t have the financial resources. They go by the motto: “All are welcome at our table.”
Bon Jovi loves New Jersey
The first kitchen opened in October 2011 in Redbank, New Jersey. This is where the artist grew up and he named his fourth album in 1988 after the area. A second restaurant was open near Toms River in 2016, which is an area affected by hurricane Sandy.
“Our mission has always been to affect positive change and address the issues of hunger and homelessness,” explained the author of hits like You Give Love a Bad Name and Livin ’on a Prayer when opening his second restaurant. “There are no prices on our menu. So if you are in need, you participate. And that means bussing the table, washing a dish, working in our gardens,” he added.
No reservations and the tables are shared
You don’t need a reservation to eat at Soul Kitchen. You are assigned a shared table when you arrive and you may be eating with strangers. It makes for nice social interaction and if you need a hot plate of food, you have a seating priority.
A three course menu is offered with nutritious, organic ingredients.
The courses are inspired by local cuisine and the menu changes every 10 days. It includes a super salad, a main course and a dessert, which changes by the season. The food is always nutritious, organic and non-GMO.
You can see the menu on their website
Jon stopped by to see what was cooking at #JBJSoulKitchen on Sunday pic.twitter.com/HraAZ541r4
— JBJ Soul Foundation (@JBJSoulFound) June 12, 2017
Not only has the foundation opened the two restaurants, they build houses around Philadelphia for the homeless, including war veterans and younger people. The construction of a center for teenage mothers and their babies was also funded.
The foundation was created by Bon Jovi and his wife, Doretha Hurley. Their mission is: “To break the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness through developing partnerships, creating programs and providing grant funding to support innovative community benefit organizations.”
The nonprofit also helps people write effective resumes and to develop job interview skills.
Here are some additional forgotten facts about Bon Jovi:
His mother, Carol Sharkey, was one of the first bunnies on the cover of Playboy magazine. She was responsible for her son’s love for music.
His real name is John Francis Bongiovi Jr.
The first professional recording he did was in 1980 for an album titled Christmas in the Stars. The record mixed Christmas songs with songs from the Star Wars saga. Bon Jovi’s cousin was the co-owner of the studio in which it was recorded and advised him to perform in one of the songs.
He won a Golden Globe in 1991 for “Best Original Song” for the song Blaze of Glory, which was part of the film Young Guns II. He was also nominated for an Oscar that same year, but Madonna took the statuette for the song Sooner or Later from the film Dick Tracy.
He suffers from eye hypersensitivity. The singer is very sensitive to light and tobacco smoke and that’s the reason why he usually wears sunglasses.
He is an admirer of Frank Sinatra, who was also born in New Jersey. He used to have a picture of the singer in his dressing room every time he performed. One of Bon Jovi’s most famous songs, It’s My Life, even mentions Sinatra. It says, “Like Frankie said, I did it my way,” alluding to the song My Way by Sinatra.
Source: Bright Side