The Bon Jovi frontman was honored for his philanthropic efforts
Princeton University has awarded Jon Bon Jovi with an honorary degree in Doctor of Music. Bon Jovi was one of six New Jersey residents honored at last week’s graduation for “for their contributions to music, history, education, literature, public service, public health, social justice and ending homelessness.” Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber presented each recipient with their honorary doctorates.
In 2006, Bon Jovi established the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation with a mission to “break the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness.” JBJ Soul Kitchen community restaurants, created by the foundation, are designed to ensure that everyone has access to a hot, nutritious meal. From locations in Red Bank, Toms River and the Rutgers-Newark campus, JBJ Soul Kitchen has served more than 135,000 meals. Bon Jovi’s extensive philanthropic involvement also includes serving on President Obama’s White House Council for Community Solutions, assisting in recovery efforts after Superstorm Sandy and building affordable housing in 11 states. During the coronavirus pandemic, the JBJ Soul Kitchen Food Bank provided carryout meals to first responders, hospital workers, soup kitchens and other nonprofits.
Bon Jovi was praised last year by many for canceling the Bon Jovi 2020 Tour with Bryan Adams at the height of the coronavirus pandemic so fans could get refunds. Instead of postponing the trek and holding onto the fans’ money like most of his contemporaries, the rocker decided to give it back to those who need it the most.
“Given these difficult times, we have made the decision to cancel the tour entirely,” the band shared at the time. “This will enable ticketholders to get refunds to help pay their bills or buy groceries. These are trying times. You’ve always been there for us and we’ll always be there for you. We look forward to seeing everyone again on tour when we can all safely be together.”
On June 3rd, Jon Bon Jovi will be among the performers at the fifth annual Love Rocks NYC, supporting God’s Love We Deliver to help feed New Yorkers who are too sick to cook or shop for themselves. Joe Bonamassa, Billy F Gibbons, Yola, Warren Haynes, Sara Bareilles and Gary Clark Jr. are among the performers.
This weekend, fans can catch Bon Jovi with his band kicking off the Encore Drive-In Nights 2021 concert series with an exclusive new show filmed featuring a never-before-seen concert that will be broadcast at venues around the world, including approximately 300 drive-in and outdoor theaters across the United States, Canada and Ireland, and select indoor cinemas around the globe.
