Jon Bon Jovi
Green celebrity making up for ’80s hair
Guilt over the “huge hole in the ozone layer my haircuts created” is what pop metal purveyor Jon Bon Jovi credits for his recently discovered interest in the environment. Whether or not that hairstyle jab is a joke, he has been dubbed the new Bono by some media outlets and he certainly tries his best to fill the Irish U2 frontman’s shoes, although usually a lot closer to home and with a bit less recognition.
In October 2006, Jon was named the first founding ambassador of the Habitat for Humanity Ambassadors Program (part of the international nonprofit organization’s new advocacy outreach initiative). He hopes to encourage others to become involved in the charity and in rebuilding their own communities. A joint effort between Habitat for Humanity International and Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity, an entertainment industry partner organization, the Ambassadors Program is meant to bring awareness to the reality of housing crises worldwide and highlight Habitat’s work providing safe and affordable shelter, using celebrities and entertainment industry leaders that are chosen for work they’ve already done.
Jon has teamed up with Habitat several times in the past; in 2005 he funded the building of six homes in Philadelphia, and along with his Philadelphia Soul Arena Football team, joined recipient families in the build. The site also provided a video shoot location for his single “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” He donated again in 2006, giving $1 million to build almost 30 homes in Louisiana for low-income families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Most recently he announced a partnership project teaming another of his nonprofits of choice, Project H.O.M.E., with Habitat for Humanity to rehabilitate an entire block of Philadelphia homes.
He started his own as well - The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, which has given away over $2 million to local causes in just four seasons. He shouldn’t worry about running out, part of the proceeds from a limited edition line of jackets he designed with Kenneth Cole, plus those from the R.S.V.P. fragrance, are going to his own charity and HELP USA.
Bon Jovi was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for his charitable work in New Jersey. He was involved in 9/11 fundraising and the Tribute to Heroes benefit album, is a vocal member of the ONE Campaign and performed at Live 8.
Rounding out Jon’s list of good deeds is continued fundraising for the Special Olympics, putting on fundraisers, such as one that took in $500,000 for autism, and many benefit concerts. That’s an awful lot of philanthropy to make up for using too much hairspray in the decade of excess.
