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I think Jon Bon Jovi is one of the most humble people in the music business. Today, while watching Oprah at work (as I often do because I can), I was struck by how generous a man he is. Jon Bon Jovi the man doesn't define his rock star status as the measure of his life because it is only part of his life. Instead, his life is measured by the quality of his life -- being a father and making a difference by giving back because of the opportunities he's been afforded. As co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul he is finding ways to give back to the community by volunteering his time with Northern Home Children and Family Serivces.
Bon Jovi (the man, not the group) worked with the Gap to give the children of Northern Home $300 worth of school uniform clothes (these kids are so poor they couldn't afford clothes to go to school) as well as with other organizations for school supplies and 50 computers for the Northern Home organization. As one person, Bon Jovi is affording these young people an opportunity to make something of their lives when their environment dictates otherwise. As if that weren't enough, Bon Jovi (the band) pleged their dedication to social consiousness taking the proceeds from their upcoming album and building four houses for Habitat for Humanity. During the show, Jon said, "What motivates me at this point in my career, is the idea of continuing to give back. Without giving back, how can you go on?" Just when you are impressed with everything this man and his band have done thus far, he presents yet another gift, this time to Oprah to continue her "good deeds" with a check for $1 million to Oprah's Angel Network.
I am guilty of having preconceived notions of celebrities (particularly "rock stars"), especially living in this town. Not to say that most "celebrities" don't care about helping others, but sometimes I see their willingness to help as being conditional -- if they do good deed then somehow it will help their reputation and give them positive publicity which in turn helps their career. Yet, after seeing Jon Bon Jovi, I didn't see that, I saw goodness and generous heart in his actions to make a difference. Richie Sambora told Oprah, that they as a band, "give to live" and I must say, that philosiphy was very apparent. Today, I was feeling really stressed and tired aboutvarious things, but after watching Jon Bon Jovi's interview on Oprah, I suddenly feel invigorated...if only more people could have hearts as big as theirs...
Oprah summed it up at the end of the show when she said to the band, "I love your music, but I love your hearts more."
Bon Jovi (the man, not the group) worked with the Gap to give the children of Northern Home $300 worth of school uniform clothes (these kids are so poor they couldn't afford clothes to go to school) as well as with other organizations for school supplies and 50 computers for the Northern Home organization. As one person, Bon Jovi is affording these young people an opportunity to make something of their lives when their environment dictates otherwise. As if that weren't enough, Bon Jovi (the band) pleged their dedication to social consiousness taking the proceeds from their upcoming album and building four houses for Habitat for Humanity. During the show, Jon said, "What motivates me at this point in my career, is the idea of continuing to give back. Without giving back, how can you go on?" Just when you are impressed with everything this man and his band have done thus far, he presents yet another gift, this time to Oprah to continue her "good deeds" with a check for $1 million to Oprah's Angel Network.I am guilty of having preconceived notions of celebrities (particularly "rock stars"), especially living in this town. Not to say that most "celebrities" don't care about helping others, but sometimes I see their willingness to help as being conditional -- if they do good deed then somehow it will help their reputation and give them positive publicity which in turn helps their career. Yet, after seeing Jon Bon Jovi, I didn't see that, I saw goodness and generous heart in his actions to make a difference. Richie Sambora told Oprah, that they as a band, "give to live" and I must say, that philosiphy was very apparent. Today, I was feeling really stressed and tired aboutvarious things, but after watching Jon Bon Jovi's interview on Oprah, I suddenly feel invigorated...if only more people could have hearts as big as theirs...
Oprah summed it up at the end of the show when she said to the band, "I love your music, but I love your hearts more."
3 comments:
"Give to live" -- I like that.
I'm glad to see that Bon Jovi is working hard to improve the lives of those who are so impoverished and disadvantaged that they are merely "living on a prayer." (Sorry, had to do it)
If I had my own private office with a TV in it, I would lock the door between 10 and 11 each morning and post a "Do Not Disturb" sign so I could continue to learn from MY favorite daytime idol, Mr. Bob Barker. I have to wonder if Bob's done more for "the people" that Oprah.
After some thought, I've decided that Bob has definitely done more for us than Oprah. Finally, something we can disagree on!
And to think, three days ago I said I wasn't going to post about celebrities. I can't help that I've found a new "muse."
You know the real reason Jon Bon Jovi is so cool, though: because he's from NEW JERSEY!!! :)
Mara
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