TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) – Jon Bon Jovi knows he can’t help society by curing cancer or splitting atoms. But he can use his celebrity to command the attention of millions of people, including some of the wealthiest and most powerful.
The Sayreville, New Jersey-born rocker and his wife, Dorothea, are joining with local charities and wealthy fellow philanthropists to tackle hunger and poverty in a shore town that was devastated by Superstorm Sandy.
He and his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation held a grand opening Tuesday for the B.E.A.T. Center, which stands for Bringing Everyone All Together. The center in Toms River is designed as a one-stop facility to help people get food stamps, health care and culinary-related job training. It also provides meals for at-risk children and seniors.
Surrounded by crates of potatoes, apples and turnips and pallets of canned ravioli and green beans, the singer best known for rock anthems like “Livin’ On A Prayer,” ”You Give Love A Bad Name” and “Wanted Dead Or Alive” said hunger is something he can actually do something about.
“We didn’t need scientists to find a cure,” he said. “There are so many wonderful causes and so many passionate people that are addressing them. We have been inspired by so many of our in-need neighbors who have come seeking help.”