Who doesn’t know Bon Jovi?

Bon Jovi has been a rock ‘n’ roll star for three decades now. Far from most celebrities who have a different kind of charitable activity, the singer-songwriter takes it upon himself to go further than to give back to the community’s most in need individuals.

He is handling an extraordinary kind of restaurant. Apart from the fact that it serves fresh garden-to-table food, yet it also provides food at no cost who cannot pay them.

Literally, no one deserves to just go starving. However, the sad truth is that thousands of people are challenged financially because they cannot afford to pay for food to eat. And this is so heartbreaking reality that iconic singer Bon Jovi simply cannot accept. This is also why he wanted to make warm meals available to the poor utilizing his wealth!

Keeping this in mind, the 58-year old philanthropist, along with his wife Dorothea Hurley, opened up two community restaurants. In 2011, they started the first branch of JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey. After five years, the second location opened in Toms River.

In an interview, Dorothea said that “Hunger doesn’t look like what your mind’s eye might imagine.”

“It’s the people at your church. It’s the kids that go to school with your kids. And I think that was eye-opening for a lot of the community here that said, ‘Oh, there’s no homeless people here.’”

As stated on their website, a community restaurant is a place where individuals or families can come to eat a delicious farm-to-table meal in a warm, welcoming setting and meet the neighbors.

It has no prices on its menu, rather, guests who can afford are encouraged to give a USD 20 contribution that comprises the value of their meal. Those who do not have the 20 dollars can still enjoy their meal, and offer their help in the kitchen as a dishwasher, in exchange for the food they eat.

The singer ensures that his establishment does not compromise on the quality of the food, considering the low amount of contribution and some diners get to eat for free. JBJ Soul Kitchen serves a three-course meal based on American Regional cuisine, starting with a soup or salad. Each guest also has the choice of an entrée such as seafood, meat, or vegetarian, and the meal is finished with a freshly made dessert.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen has served a total of 131,714 meals to date, and all this has been made possible by donations and volunteer efforts!

The couple will open a third location on the campus of Rutgers University since the success of their restaurants, where they want to feed college students who are striving to pay for food.

Bon Jovi said, “We all think it’s a rite of passage.” “To study hard and eat ramen noodles. How about if it’s the only thing you can afford?”

The couple will keep launching more JBJ Soul Kitchen in the country, as long as there is a need.

In addition to helping the poor get access to food, Bon Jovi also formed the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in 2006, “to break the cycle of poverty, hunger, and homelessness.”

The singer has helped build more than 500 affordable homes for the poor in 10 states, through his projects.

He said, “Most Americans live two paychecks away from problems, and I thought this is something we can do. And most importantly I didn’t need the scientists to find the cure.”

A celebrity who uses his influence for the public good is a great example! You may consider donating and volunteering if you would like to help him create a much bigger change in the world!

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