Philadelphia, PA. (By Tiffany Shipp/ Ken
Sunshine Consultants) - Jon
Bon Jovi and Habitat for Humanity International formally announced their partnership today to build two duplexes (four homes) in a North Philadelphia neighborhood. The announcement was made at the build-site, which also serves as the location for Bon Jovi's new music video for "
Who Says You Can't Go Home" - their second single from HAVE A NICE DAY (Island Records). Philadelphia Soul team members, local volunteers and families, along with corporate sponsors Comcast, SAP, Sprint, and The Strober Organization worked together to make the project possible.
An area-resident known for his community involvement, Jon Bon Jovi approached Habitat in June 2005 with a proposal for a local build on a large scale. To fund the build, Bon Jovi pledged the majority of the band's video budget from Island Records, contributed his own money from the Bon Jovi Family Foundation and secured additional sponsorship through pre-existing relationships in the private sector. By setting aside a small sum to document the process, the band planned a music video with a "think global, act local" theme.
"Jon is internationally recognized as a celebrity who always remained true to his roots," said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat's chief executive officer. "His work with the Jon Bon Jovi Foundation and the Philadelphia Soul team is impressive and we're thrilled to partner with a public figure so committed to volunteerism and his community."
"This collaboration stems from a shared vision," said Jon Bon Jovi, "The idea of getting personally involved in enacting positive change in your own community just feels right to me."
"Habitat homeowners make a personal investment in their future by way of 'sweat equity' - working on their own houses, and those of others," continued Bon Jovi. "They also repay a no-profit mortgage over time, so this is a commitment, not a hand-out, and I respect that."
Directing the video for "Who Says You Can't Go Home," is Anthony M. Bongiovi (Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, Marilyn Manson) whose TBJ Entertainment is a multi-media production company specializing in film and high-definition music events. TBJ's donation of production crews and costs has been generously enhanced by Slow Motion Inc., Matchframe Video, Fotokem, and a substantial contribution of top-grade film from Eastman Kodak Company.
