Bon Jovi, Clinton To Restore Decaying Homes In Philly
PHILADELPHIA (October 5, 2006) -- Jon Bon Jovi was surrounded by a blaze of glory Thursday as he accepted an award for humanitarian outreach in the region. The rock star, who has helped Habitat for Humanity build affordable homes in Philadelphia and Louisiana, received the City of Brotherly Love Award from Mayor John F. Street.

"We are all, in fact, connected," Bon Jovi said. "We can make a difference."

The presentation was made at the National Constitution Center after the Liberty Medal ceremony, which honored former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Bon Jovi closed the event with a performance of his song, "Who Says You Can't Go Home."

When Bon Jovi told Clinton about a new plan to restore homes in one of Philadelphia's most blighted neighborhoods, his pal was all ears.

Clinton "was intrigued enough that he offered his services, and said, `If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate.' And we didn't," Bon Jovi told The Associated Press Thursday.

Clinton stood beside the rocker in Philadelphia on Thursday as he announced his project, called the Phase V Homeownership Project, to renovate 15 decaying homes "messes of row homes," Bon Jovi said on two blocks on the city's north side.

Bon Jovi, co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League and creator of the team's charity foundation, teamed up with Habitat for Humanity, the Saturn automobile company and a local charity for the effort.

He's been on a philanthropy kick lately. Last year, he and fellow Bon Jovi bandmate Richie Sambora surprised Oprah Winfrey with a $1 million donation to her Angel Network and Habitat for Humanity to build 28 homes in the town of Houma, La., which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

"I mean, it gives me great joy," he said of his charity work. "There's just too many haves and have nots in the country."

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