Jon Bon Jovi has long been known for his recording, songwriting, performing and even acting career. And while he is set to release a new album this fall – he’d previously said to expect it in March – his philanthropy is taking center stage right now.
Jon and his wife Dorthea have just opened their second Soul Kitchen restaurant in Tom’s River, NJ, an area hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. The objective is to be a “pay it forward” eatery aimed at helping out those less fortunate with a warm meal. The concept behind the two restaurants – the first opened in 2011 in Red Bank, NJ – is for customers to either donate what they can for a meal or work in the kitchen for an hour, equal to a three-course meal.
As he told CBS This Morning, “When you come into this 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. If you are here to just enjoy a meal and affect change directly by buying a Pay It Forward card, you are paying for your meal and for someone else’s that are here in the restaurant or are going to come tomorrow.”
The new Soul Kitchen in Tom’s River is part of the B.E.A.T Center (Bringing Everyone All Together). The center also includes a food pantry, a hospitality job-training program and food bank.
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Soul Kitchen is an initiative of The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation (formerly the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation). Founded in 2006, it works to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair. Through the funding and creation of programs and partnerships, they support innovative community efforts to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Those looking for more information on the classic rocker’s Soul Kitchens or to visit either location can find it here.
