Ocean County is a beat closer to hunger relief now that Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi and others have opened a new center to help those in need.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Sayreville native and his wife, Dorothea, attended the grand opening of the B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River, a community still struggling to rebound from Superstorm Sandy after three and a half years.
Residents in need can dine at the center’s JBJ Soul Kitchen either by donating at least $10 per meal or by volunteering in the kitchen or restaurant.
The concept is modeled after the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, which is about to serve its 50,000th meal, said Bon Jovi, who has a home in nearby Middletown.
The B.E.A.T Center also includes the People’s Pantry, where folks can pick up free groceries, and the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
For all the money poured into the operation by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and other key donors, the B.E.A.T. Center (Bringing Everyone All Together) is relying on cash donations from the public to make sure the operation isn’t just livin’ on a prayer.
“We did crowd-sourcing for this, I put up my own money, so, yes, we’re still asking for donations,” Bon Jovi said, after announcing the grand opening. “We’re relying on it. We’re working hard and hoping to inspire others to do the same.”
During the press conference, Bon Jovi said, “Over these last five years, we’ve been inspired by so many of our in-need neighbors who have come seeking help. We’ve received many thank yous along the way. But it is us who thank you, our neighbors who have provided guidance in identifying how we can provide not only a healthy meal, but, in fact, a place that creates community.”
Bon Jovi said the location in central Ocean County was selected because it was hard hit by Superstorm Sandy, and suffered hunger and other social needs even before the storm.
The David Tepper Charitable Foundation, Inc., OceanFirst Foundation and ShopRite are a few of the notable donors to the center, which also provides culinary skills training, free tax preparation and healthcare and other referrals.