Look To The Stars News: Jon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi Bares His Soul

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Jon Bon Jovi has revealed how he was inspired to establish the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, the charity he set up in 2006 to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair.

“I picked the idea of affordable housing and breaking the chains of poverty because one night I was viewing out of a hotel window in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – the birthplace of our nation, the place where our forefathers wrote the Declaration of Independence,” said the 46-year-old singer. “As I saw a man sleeping on the steps of the City Hall in the middle of the winter I thought this isn’t what they were thinking at the time. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or you’re old, you’re rich or you’re poor, you’re white, you’re black, Republican or Democrat – homelessness can affect anyone at any given time.”

Bon Jovi named the Foundation after the arena football team he co-owns – the Philadelphia Soul – and uses it to fund and create of programs and partnerships to support innovative community efforts to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Their goal is to recognize and maximize the human potential of those affected by poverty and homelessness, and provide affordable housing, social services, and job training programs. Ever since he bought the team, Bon Jovi’s intention was to ensure that the Soul was different from other sports franchises – everything the Soul does includes a charitable component, it is the cornerstone of the team’s identity. All members of the team are encouraged to be positive role models for children (players, dance team members and the team mascot regularly make public appearances at non-profit and charity events, schools and hospitals), and even the fans do their part to make a difference – from donating teddy bears to abused children, to giving school supplies to Katrina-ravaged towns, and even supplying backpacks to needy children in Philadelphia.

To find out more about the Foundation, visit their website.

Farm Aid 2008 To Rock New England

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rocker John Mellencamp has unveiled the main acts set to kick up a storm at Farm Aid 2008.

The concert – which will take place on September 20 – will be held for the first time in New England, and will see performances by Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and Willie Nelson, all of which are on the board of directors for Farm Aid. More acts will be announced over the next few weeks.

“We are proud to bring our annual Farm Aid concert to a region that has such strong agricultural roots and to the many people who love to eat the good food grown in New England,” said Nelson, Farm Aid’s president. “I’m looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers.”

Now entering its 23rd year, Farm Aid has raised more than $23 million for family farms and organic agricultural initiatives since the first concert in 1985. A plethora of stars have appeared at the concerts to increase awareness of the importance of family farms over the years, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Sammy Hagar, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Charley Pride, and Lou Reed.

“New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers,” said Mellencamp. “We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats.”

The concert will take place at the Comcast Arena in Mansfield. Tickets go on sale July 28 through Ticketmaster.

Bon Jovi Ticket Packages Up For Grabs

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bon Jovi guitartist Richie Sambora is auctioning off a special concert package to raise money for a young New Jersey girl who is suffering from a brain cyst.

Kelly Mahon, a senior from Woodbridge High, underwent a massive 14-hour operation last fall to remove the cyst. However, following complications, the teenager had to be heavily medicated and kept on a respirator. Although still hospitalized, she is off the respirator and doctors say she may be able to go home soon.

Sambora – who is also a Woodbridge High graduate – has offered two Bon Jovi packages for next week’s shows at Madison Square Garden to help raise funds for Kelly. Each package includes four tickets, four side-of-stage seats, four autographed T-shirts signed by members of the band, a Bon Jovi autographed guitar, and the chance to meet Sambora backstage before the shows.

The 49-year-old guitarist will be on hand to auction the packages at 9 am today, Friday July 11, on WPLJ (95.5FM) in New York. The starting bid for each is $1,500, and the number to call to place your bid is 1-800-321-9755.

Bon Jovi Gives Hope To Those Living On A Prayer

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi was in Detroit’s East Side on Monday to announce the building of five new homes as part of a partnership between his Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, Habitat For Humanity, and local retailers Saturn.

The homes – which are only a few of the 100 planned by Habitat for Humanity in the next few years – will be built by November, and Bon Jovi is extremely excited about the prospect of helping people in the area.

“We really want to revitalize the neighborhood…so that the kids can play in these streets,” he said. “That’s what America is all about.”

The 46-year-old singer began working with Habitat for Humanity in 2005 and has made it his mission to draw attention to the need for affordable housing nationwide through his Soul Foundation – named after the arena football team he co-owns, the Philadelphia Soul.

“The Soul Foundation has really differentiated itself from other sports teams both in Philadelphia and around the nation by making community a huge part of its mission statement,” he said.

Bon Jovi was in Detroit to play a concert at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Monday night as part of the band’s “Lost Highway” tour.

“I wanted to give something back to you,” the singer told the crowd that gathered at the site of the new homes just before he left. “But I have to go to my day job now.”

Bon Jovi Headline Charity Concert

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:28:56 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bon Jovi has headlined the first concert in a charity series to raise funds for lung cancer research.

The show was held at Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom on Tuesday, February 12, to a capacity crowd of 3,500, with proceeds going to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering, a facility that specializes in lung cancer. The Center is also where Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora’s father received treatment for the disease before his death last year.

“Cancer is relentless; you can’t stop it,” said Sambora, who opened the concert with a 30 minute set of solo material. “Hopefully this money will help find answers.”

The concert was organized by Stand Up For A Cure, and is expected to be the first of a yearlong series to benefit the cancer center. The organization hopes to pull together at least seven concerts in that time, and have already confirmed a stand-up performance from Jerry Seinfeld on June 2 at Madison Square Garden, a concert with Brian Wilson and special guests at the Hammerstein Ballroom on July 11, and a performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli set for a to-be-determined date in December.

Jordan Belkin, Executive Producer for Stand Up For A Cure, hopes the concert series will not only raise money for cancer research but also awareness for what he calls a “severely under-funded” disease.

“It’s the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the world,” he told Billboard.com. “We need to get the message out and get money into the programs that are offering a potential cure for treatment. By groups like Bon Jovi donating their time and support to this cause, I think we’re getting closer to doing so.”

Celebrity Auctions Kick Off The New Year

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:24:10 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The new year has kicked off with a flurry of celebrity charity auctions, with items for sale to benefit a plethora of worthwhile causes and issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union is a national organization that advocates individual rights by litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad range of issues, including free speech, AIDS, human rights, racism, and more. The Southern California branch of ACLU has launched an auction on www.charityfolks.com to raise much-needed funds.

Items up for auction until January 3 include lunch with Jake Gyllenhaal on the set of his new film, a framed and autographed art print by Viggo Mortensen, the chance to dine with Harry Belafonte or Mike Farrell, a signed T shirt and photo from Danny Glover, and original artwork from singer Maria McKee, and an autographed copy of Corinne Bailey Rae’s single, “I’d Like To”.

Also up for auction on the Charity Folks website are 12 twelve very special packages to see Hilary Duff in concert. VIP tickets and the chance to go backstage to meet the young diva are included, and the concerts are being held across the US, Mexico, and Australia.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Blessings in a Backpack, a program run by USA Harvest to generate public awareness of child hunger. The organization will use the money to assist in providing weekend meals to needy children and ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. The auction runs until January 25.

Virgin Unite has put several items up for auction, including a leather jacket designed and signed by Jon Bon Jovi, a guitar autographed by Jewel, and a cymbal signed by members of the Beastie Boys.

Virgin Unite is the non-profit entrepreneurial foundation of the Virgin Group, established by Richard Branson as a catalyst for business based solutions to social and environmental problems. The auction ends on January 3.

Artists for a New South Africa is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 to advance human rights in Africa, and now encompasses a whole raft of issues, including the fight against AIDS, assisting children orphaned by AIDS, and educating and empowering youth. They are offering some incredible items for auction until January 18, including original Star Wars comics signed by Samuel L. Jackson, a signed photo of ex-X Files star Gillian Anderson, and signed CDs from Mandy Moore.

And finally, the Friends and Helpers Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists victims of domestic violence, is auctioning items such as a Red Hot Chili Peppers poster signed by bass player Flea, a signed photo of Donald Trump, a flag autographed by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan, and a guitar signed by LeAnn Rimes.

2008 looks set to be the year of celebrity giving.

2007 - The Year The Stars Gave Back

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:11:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2007 was a year of giving, both on grand and not-so-grand scales. Celebrities from all fields, be it movies, music, sport or general entertainment, showed compassion beyond the call of duty, and in most cases had a lot of fun doing it.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest events of the year was Live Earth in July, where stars new and old shone in all of the corners of the Earth to raise awareness of the plight of the planet. The shows were generally well-received, and led to organizer Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

But celebrities also participated in smaller, more personal acts of kindness in 2007. Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melissa Gilbert, and Michael Douglas all donated their time to feed the hungry at the Los Angeles Mission, Fran Drescher launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, and Ewan McGregor visited UNICEF projects during his epic motorcycle trip across Africa.

In January, Kevin Bacon launched www.sixdegrees.org, a website designed to marry the concepts of social internet networks and charities. The site aims to help people fundraise for their chosen causes, and features celebrities such as Kyra Sedgwick and Ashley Judd.

Bette Midler, founder of the New York Restoration Project, launched the Million Trees NYC initiative with Mayor Michael Bloomberg in October, to get city dwellers to plant more trees. The project plans to increase New York’s urban forest by 20% in the next ten years.

“To walk under the branches of a tree that you have planted connects you to the roots of our past and the aspirations of our future,” said the 62-year-old singer and actress.

Another singer with a sense of community in 2007 was Jon Bon Jovi who, as well as participating in various benefit concerts, also worked with Project HOME to revitalize a deteriorated lot in Philadelphia and transform it into homes for fifteen families.

And then there was Shakira, co-founder of the Latin America for Solidarity Fund and Pies Descalzos, who donated $40 million to victims of natural disasters in Peru and Nicaragua, and another $5 million to benefit education programs for children across Latin America.

The California wildfires that ravaged much of the state in November also spawned a spate of celebrity donations, with Linkin Park, the Eagles, and Gwen Stefani all making substantial contributions to both victims and firefighters.

American Idol gave back in April, with two shows that raised over $60 million to benefit organizations funding relief programs in America and Africa, featuring performances by Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, and others. Organized by Simon Cowell, American Idol Gives Back also led to a $100,000 donation by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

Another talk show host to shine this year was Oprah Winfrey, who opened a state-of-the-art school in South Africa for disadvantaged girls.

“I am creating everything in this school that I would have wanted for myself—so the girls will have the absolute best that my imagination can offer,“ said the 53-year-old, who poured $40 million of her own money into the project.

Brad Pitt took on the mission of rebuilding New Orleans by donating $5 million towards new houses, and also set up the Make It Right Foundation to assist in his work. Meanwhile, his wife Angelina Jolie set out to do what her character Lara Croft does best – save the world. As well as donating $100,000 to build the Duk Lost Boys Medical Clinic in the Sudan in March, Jolie also traveled to Iraq and Syria to raise support for those displaced by war.

Although literally tonnes of articles were written about Jolie’s efforts during 2007, even more was reported on Don Cheadle’s and George Clooney’s work to publicize the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The stars of Ocean’s Thirteen established a charity for the Sudanese region called Not On Our Watch, and personally raised over $9 million to help those affected by conflict in the region. The pair were awarded a special peace prize by Nobel laureates for their efforts.

And no round up of the year’s events can be complete without mention of Bono, who continued being Bono by doing what Bono does best – raising awareness for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the needy, and the disadvantaged.

We at Look To The Stars would like to wish all of our readers a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and we look forward to continuing to bring you celebrity charity news in 2008.

A Very Special Christmas

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 09:14:56 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Christmas may already be upon us, and Santa may at this very moment be squeezing his way down your chimney, but there is still time for one last fix of Christmas shopping.

Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, U2, and Eric Clapton are just some of the stars to be featured on the first ever DVD collection from the “A Very Special Christmas” holiday music series to benefit the Special Olympics.

“A Very Special Christmas – 20th Anniversary Music Video Collection” is out now, and is the latest release in the series that has already raised more than $100 million for Special Olympics programs around the world.

“A Very Special Christmas is a fitting way to spread holiday cheer,” said Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics chairman. “But more importantly, this gift will help bring the joy of Special Olympics to many more children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing them the chance of a new life – a life of participation, pride, friendship, and joy.”

The project was launched in 1987, when record producer Jimmy Iovine decided a Christmas album would be a suitable memorial to his father. His wife Vicki suggested that the album benefit the Special Olympics, which she was working for as a volunteer. Bobby Shriver, son of Special Olympics founder Eunice Shriver, signed on as producer, and A&M Records backed the project with an agreement to cover all costs.

Over the years, A Very Special Christmas has attracted a plethora of heavy-weight artists, and past releases have featured songs donated by Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, the Smashing Pumpkins, Stevie Nicks, Enrique Iglesias, Aretha Franklin, Tom Petty, and Reba McEntire.

“I am full of admiration for the many artists who have helped us,” said Eunice Shriver. “It’s a great tribute that these men and women say to themselves ‘I’ll use my talent to help others’.”

The full list of songs on the 20th Anniversary Music Video Collection is:

Run DMC – Christmas In Hollis
U2 – Christmas (Baby Please Come Here)
No Doubt – Oi To The World
John Mellencamp – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Sting – Gabriel’s Message
Jon Bon Jovi – Please Come Home For Christmas
Vanessa Williams – What Child Is This?
Eric Clapton – Christmas Tears
Tracy Chapman – Oh Holy Night
Sheryl Crow – Run Rudolph Run
Wyclef Jean – Little Drummer Boy/Hot Hot Hot
Stevie Wonder – Merry Christmas Baby

Jon Bon Jovi To Headline Benefit Concert

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:17:17 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The New Jersey shoreline will come to life a few days before Christmas, with a benefit concert featuring some of the best local talent, as well as one of the area’s favorite sons.

Singer Jon Bon Jovi will headline the Hope Concert III on December 21 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, with proceeds going to the Valerie Fund, an organization that helps children who suffer from cancer and blood disorders.

The concert is being organized by local hero Bobby Bandiera, the musical director of the previous Hope Concerts held in 2003 and 2006. Bandiera is a longtime member of Southside Johnny’s legendary Asbury Dukes, and also plays rhythm guitar with Bon Jovi.

The cause is personal for Bandiera, who organized the first Hope Concert in 2003 to help his son, a sufferer of cancer. Bandiera has been a staunch supporter of children’s cancer charities ever since, and is especially pleased to be involved with the Valerie Fund, an organization that serves over 5000 patients in the New Jersey area every year. Established in 1976 by Ed and Sue Goldstein in memory of their 9 year old daughter Valerie, the Valerie Fund provides support and treatment for young sufferers of a variety of diseases.

Jon Bon Jovi is also no stranger to benefit concerts, and appeared at the 2006 Hope Concert with Bruce Springsteen, a veteran of the first two Hope Concerts. Rumors are circulating that Springsteen, currently touring Europe until December 19, may appear unannounced at the concert.

Tickets for the show, which will also feature performances by Gary “U.S.” Bonds and Southside Johnny, range from $100 to $500, and are only available by phone or in person from the Count Basie Theatre Box Office – ph (732) 842-9000.

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:21:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and celebrities are doing their best to make holiday shopping easy this year. Several charity auctions have already kicked off to raise money for good causes, including one that may be eBay’s largest sale of celebrity items… ever!

The Bid 2 Beat AIDS online auction will open on December 1, World AIDS Day, and will feature over 1000 specially signed items, ranging from posters to iPods. The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity, and in the past has raised up to $175,000.

The array of memorabilia up for sale this year is simply colossal, with perhaps the most interesting items being a series of “Lend a Hand to LIFEbeat” cards that feature the handprints of over 100 celebrities. Stars such as Britney Spears, Jack Black, and Kathy Griffin traced around the outlines of their hands and decorated their artworks for the auction, and the finished products will make a unique addition to any Christmas stocking.

Also included in the auction is a selection of signed musical instruments. Rapper 50 Cent has donated the tambourines he used during his performance at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, and Metallica and the Foo Fighters have both donated guitars. There are also over 200 official RIAA gold and platinum record awards up for sale, from artists such as Annie Lennox, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Green Day. Rare tour crew jackets from Guns N Roses, Cher, George Michael, and Prince are also available.

There are a stack of autographed CDs and DVDs on offer in the auction, from Mariah Carey, Elton John, Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse, and Val Kilmer, as well as books signed by Madonna, Bill Clinton, Rosie O’Donnell, Martha Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Ethan Hawke. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Elijah Wood, and Usher have all signed posters for the auction.

For those people after something a little different, the auction also includes an iPod designed by Yoko Ono, a box of cereal signed by Will Ferrell, Borat’s hat signed by Sacha Baron Cohen, and a Spiderman action figure autographed by Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

And if nothing mentioned so far whets your appetite, there are also signed items from Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Nelly, Joan Collins, John Travolta, Kanye West, The Cure, Jay-Z, Cameron Diaz, Victoria Beckham, Robin Williams, Hilary Duff, Jason Alexander, Jack Nicholson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adam Sandler, John Legend, Jessica Simpson, Whoopi Goldberg, Aerosmith, Denzel Washington, Good Charlotte, James Blunt, Jeremy Piven, Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, Norah Jones, Razorlight, Wyclef Jean, and many more… far too many to list here.

More information and a full list of items can be found at www.bid2beataids.com.

As if this wasn’t enough choice for Christmas shoppers, there are also several other auctions and events on the go at the moment. The biggest of these is the 10th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Benefit Dinner and Auction, a massive black tie gala to be held on November 29. It also happens to be one of the highest grossing charity events held every year in New York, and last year raised over $4 million for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that has provided over $55 million in grants to cancer research, and has been instrumental in the development of new cancer drugs.

The gala dinner and live auction will be held at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue, New York City, and over 1200 guests are expected to attend. The host for the evening is Chevy Chase, and attendees will be treated to a very special performance by Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh, members of 70’s rock group, the Eagles.

Selected items up for auction on the night as well as online include dinner with Chevy Chase, the chance to play tennis with Andre Agassi, and a meet and greet with Aerosmith.

More information can be found at www.charitybuzz.com.

Also on the Charitybuzz website is an auction to raise funding for Stand Up For A Cure, an organization dedicated to lung cancer research and awareness.

The auction runs from November 28 until December 12, and features unique items such as the chance to have Andrea Bocelli perform in your own home, the opportunity to have Patti LaBelle host your cocktail party, and VIP tickets to see Céline Dion at Madison Square Gardens.

And if you still can’t find a suitable gift, have a look at the Have A Heart Auction on Charitybuzz. All proceeds from the auction, which features the chance to meet Avril Lavigne, a copy of “An Inconvenient Truth” signed by Al Gore, and a “Godfather II” DVD signed by Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, will benefit HEART, an organization that aims to foster compassion and respect for all living beings.

But you have to be in quick, as the auction ends on November 29.

VH1 Save the Music Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:52:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Music television channel VH1 will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their charitable arm, VH1 Save The Music Foundation, on September 20 by hosting a celebrity gala in New York.

The event, to be held at the Lincoln Centre, will pay tribute to the humanitarian work of Hillary Clinton, Mariah Carey, and VH1 Save The Music founder, John Sykes. Bill Clinton, who donated his saxophone to the charity in 1998, will also be honored.

“Throughout the years, Bill and Hillary Clinton have exemplified incredible dedication and support for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation,” said Executive Director, Paul Cothran. “It is an honor to have them join in celebrating our 10th anniversary.”

The Gala will be hosted by actress and model Maria Menounos, founder of Take Action Hollywood!, a non-profit organization which uses the power of film to educate, empower, and raise social awareness. It will also feature performances by Jon Bon Jovi, John Mayer, and ex-Pink Floyd member, Roger Waters. But perhaps the biggest applause for the evening will be saved for a group of children from schools that have received VH1 Save The Music grants, who will play together for the first time as a student orchestra.

Later in the evening, Project Runway’s Tim Gunn will emcee a live auction featuring several exciting items that will be revealed closer to the date.

For the last decade, VH1 Save The Music has been dedicated to restoring music education in US public schools. During that time, they have donated over $34 million worth of musical instruments to more than 1400 schools. Tickets to the gala event can be purchased online at www.vh1savethemusic.com.

Live Earth Rocks the Planet

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:16:25 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They came, they rocked, they conquered. 07/07/07 saw the Live Earth concerts take place on 7 continents, and the event will go down in history and in people’s hearts as one of the greatest spectacles ever staged.

The nine concerts held around the globe attracted hundreds of thousands of music lovers, and another 9 million internet streams – a world record internet audience. Many more are expected to watch replays over the next few weeks. Concert-goers partied for a total of 22 hours at the events organized by Al Gore to raise awareness of climate change and environmental issues.

“You are Live Earth,” Gore told the crowd in New Jersey, on a stage made from recycled tires. “Today 2 billion of us have come together in over 130 countries… Times like these demand action.”

Despite the rain and low temperatures, 30,000 fans in Hamburg enjoyed stunning and energetic performances by Yusuf – formerly known as Cat Stevens – Shakira, Snoop Dogg, Enrique Iglesias, and former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. German comedian Elton joked about the inclement conditions with the comment “We’re here to fight against global warming in such c—p weather.”

It was also a cold affair in Antarctica, where a previously unknown band Nunatak – made up of polar researchers – played for 17 fellow scientists, allowing Gore to keep his promise to hold concerts in all seven continents.

45,000 people turned out in warmer circumstances in Sydney, where they were treated to performances by Jack Johnson, Toni Collette’s band The Finish, and a newly reformed Crowded House. Sydney was the first of the concerts to open, and was followed by Japan, where thousands rocked to performances by Linkin Park, Rihanna, and a host of local acts.

Johannesburg, experiencing its first snow in ten years, swayed to the rhythms of some of their best known local acts, as well as an intense performance by Joss Stone.

It was a smaller and quieter affair in Washington, where a subdued crowd was entertained by a few lesser known blues and hip hop acts.

The most popular concerts were held in London and New York. The newly refurbished Wembley Stadium was rocking under the weight of 70,000 concert-goers, all enthralled by stellar performances from the Beastie Boys, Kasabian, Metallica, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 1980’s comedy rock act Spinal Tap reformed for the event to perform their new single, “Warmer Than Hell”, and there was also a touching performance by singer/songwriter Terra Naomi. Naomi wrote the track “Say It’s Possible” after seeing An Inconvenient Truth, and was asked personally by Al Gore to perform it at Live Earth.

The finale of the Wembley show was a set by Madonna, which included “Hey You”, the song she wrote especially for Live Earth. She also thanked Gore “for giving the world the wake-up call it so badly needs, and for starting the avalanche of awareness that we are running out of time.”

Over 50,000 people crammed Giants Stadium in New Jersey to join Al Gore, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, and Kevin Bacon for a night to remember. Cool rhythms from Alicia Keys and the Dave Matthews Band gave way to rockier beats later in the evening from Kelly Clarkson, Melissa Etheridge, and Jon Bon Jovi. The show ended with Sting and The Police performing a duet of their hit, “Message In A Bottle”, with rapper Kanye West . The free show in Rio De Janeiro, almost cancelled over security concerns, drew a crowd of 600,000 to listen to sun-drenched performances by Lenny Kravitz and Macy Gray, and the show in Shanghai was also a success.

The Chinese crowd were made aware of the International Energy Agency warning that China could become the top emitter of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, by later this year.

The Live Earth concerts were a great day’s entertainment for those who witnessed them, and only time will tell if they achieved their goals.

“Thank you for coming to Live Earth,” said Al Gore as the concerts ended. “Harness the energy in your hearts and help us solve the climate crisis.”

Vegas Grand Prix Gala - By Invitation Only

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:26:28 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

An exclusive charity event at the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas featured Tonight Show host Jay Leno and a performance by Jon Bon Jovi and Friends. The gala also featured international cuisine, appearances by Champ Car World Series drivers and A-list Hollywood celebrities.

Attendance fees for the invitation-only gala began at $5,000 for a table for ten, but the title “Pole Position” sponsorship cost $350,000 for three VIP tables.

The money raised will support Keep Memory Alive, a foundation for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, an organisation that funds research into areas including Alzheimer, Huntington, Parkinson, ALS and memory disorders.

Boosting the fundraising, the gala featured a live auction with an accompanying high-end silent auction for such lots as fighter jet rides and exclusive holidays.

Bon Jovi Works to Provide Affordable Housing in Philadelphia

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 02:16:11 -0000

Written by Robert Powers

Earlier this month rocker Jon Bon Jovi, standing alongside former President Bill Clinton, announced the proposed renovation and rebuilding of fifteen abandoned row houses in North Central Philadelphia.

The newly refurbished homes are to be part of the charitable initiative “Phase V Homeownership Project”, which will work to provide affordable and environmentally-friendly quality housing to first-time homeowners that might otherwise go homeless.

The project represents the flagship initiative of the newly formed Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation and involves the efforts of Saturn, Habitat For Humanity, and Project HOME as cooperating partners.

The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation will finance the project with Saturn who is also ensuring that the homes are eco-friendly, Habitat for Humanity will oversee construction of the homes, and Project HOME will assist prospective homeowners with the training of skills required of homeownership.

Bon Jovi, who was also recently made Habitat for Humanity’s first ever Habitat Ambassador, has himself pledged $450,000 to the project.

“It is my sincere and heartfelt desire not to let neighborhoods deteriorate any further,” he said during a press conference to mark the start of the project.

In May of this year Bon Jovi was given the HELP Heroes Award by HELP USA, a charitable organization that works to assist the country’s homeless, during a tribute dinner that also honored director Martin Scorsese. More recently, he was presented with the City of Brotherly Love Award by Philadelphia mayor John F. Street.

“It gives me great joy,” Bon Jovi has said of doing work for charity, “There’s just too many haves and have-nots in the country.”

Bon Jovi Shows True Colors Through Homeless Charities

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:48:00 -0000

Written by Greg Hitchcock

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi has a tender spot for the homeless and recently showed his true colors through working with homeless charities.

In August, Kenneth Cole New York announced that Kenneth Cole and Jon Bon Jovi have partnered to design a limited-edition outerwear collection that will be made available at Kenneth Cole New York retail stores and Saks Fifth Avenue stores this November.

Proceeds of the exclusive offering will benefit HELP USA, a national not-for-profit organization with a mission to empower the homeless and others in need to become and remain self-reliant. Through the development of quality housing with on-site support services, HELP USA provides resources for its residents to become independent and productive.

Jon Bon Jovi recently wore one of the jackets on the red carpet of this year’s Fashion Rocks event on September 7th.

Also in August, Bon Jovi placed four autographed Philadelphia Soul Jerseys on eBay for auction to raise money for Project HOME in Philadelphia. Three of the jerseys contain celebrity signatures from Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson, Rainn Wilson, Scarlett Johansson, Tommy Lee, and “Extra’s” Mark McGrath – all of which were gathered by the nationally syndicated entertainment newsmagazine show “Extra” throughout several days of superstar interviews.

The organization provides a full range of services for chronically homeless people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders, including street outreach, safe havens, permanent supportive housing and a range of services to supplement housing.

Bon Jovi Donates to Oprah's Angel Network

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 15:17:40 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Jon Bon Jovi stunned Oprah in September with a $1 million donation to Oprah’s Angel Network in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

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