Jon Bon Jovi discusses plans for the B.E.A.T. Center, which he described as a resource hub for people in need, during an April 14 press conference at the center’s future location in Toms River. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR Jon Bon Jovi is taking his efforts to serve those in need in central New Jersey a step further.
The rock star’s Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is among several charitable organizations that have teamed up to see that nobody has to go hungry, unveiling plans last week for the B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River. The center’s name stands for Bringing Everyone All Together.
The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is spearheading the effort in association with the People’s Pantry (Inspire NJ) and Bon Jovi’s foundation. Jon Bon Jovi said the B.E.A.T. Center — located at the Silverton Plaza on Hooper Avenue — will work as a resource hub, providing families and individuals in need with a place to go and obtain the resources they need.
Jon Bon Jovi addresses those gathered for the B.E.A.T. Center announcement. PHOTOS BY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR “The center will be a one-stop shop for everyone in the area in need and will also provide materials for job training so we can help people get where they need to be,” Bon Jovi, a resident of Middletown, told Greater Media Newspapers.
Besides providing individuals with food, the center will work towards connecting residents to other programs, such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, which provides food stamps, affordable health care, tax-preparation services and culinary training programs, according to Carlos Rodriguez, executive director of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
“This area was significantly affected by superstorm Sandy, and some residents are still out of their homes and in need, so the B.E.A.T. Center will encourage families to come out, get the help they need and get a meal where they can all be around the table,” Rodriguez said. The B.E.A.T. Center was proposed 18 months ago when the food bank was exploring the possibility of providing further services to residents of Ocean County, according to Rodriguez. The food bank then formed the partnership with the People’s Pantry and Bon Jovi’s foundation.
Patricia Donaghue of the People’s Pantry speaks at the April 14 press conference. “We decided to bring our collaboration and ideas together to address the needs of the community and leverage each other’s desires to help one another. We are working towards keeping the lines of hunger far away from Ocean County,” Rodriguez said.
The B.E.A.T. Center will also serve as the second location of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen.
The Soul Kitchen, whose first location is in Red Bank, is a place where diners can pay for their meal by volunteering there or making a small donation. By donating an hour of their time, volunteers earn a dining certificate for themselves and up to four family members.
“The center is a unique model and is another example of the power of ‘we,’ ” Bon Jovi said. “We can train people for on-site job training and make this vision a reality.”
Patricia Donaghue, executive director of the People’s Pantry, has worked hard since superstorm Sandy to provide her neighbors with the materials they need, and she said the B.E.A.T. Center is a new place of hope.
“The number of people in need keeps on climbing, so lives will definitely be changed at the new B.E.A.T. Center,” Donaghue said.
The People’s Pantry became the “go-to” place after the storm hit, according to Donaghue. With about 19,000 individuals in their database — and feeding 3,000 people a month — those involved with the pantry are excited to work on new endeavors with the B.E.A.T. Center.
“The pantry has dealt with broken families before, so it will be nice to get a family all around the same table at the center. Meals are the one time a day where parents can connect with their children. This is an incredible opportunity, and I can’t begin to thank enough everyone that is involved,” Donaghue said.
The David Tepper Charitable Foundation will work with the B.E.A.T. Center as the facility’s primary funder. The foundation focuses on providing basic needs, improving education and bringing awareness to immigration-related issues, according to its founder, David Tepper. During the financial recession that began in 2008, the foundation worked to bring resources to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Hillside, and other organizations around the state.
Tepper said he is pleased to partner with the B.E.A.T. Center.
“I am proud to be a part of this center, and it is a great investment for one’s self and their soul,” Tepper said.
The B.E.A.T. Center is expected to open its doors later this year. An exact date has not been set.
“We have decided to push ourselves to find creative ways to provide food for people in need,” Bon Jovi said. “And with the B.E.A.T. Center providing services and job opportunities all in one location, it makes one moment of someone’s day just a bit easier.”