Food Bank honors Bon Jovi, Teen
by Kelly-Jane Cotter
Music Writer

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties honored rock star Jon Bon Jovi as "Humanitarian of the Year" Monday night at a dinner party at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands.

Bon Jovi, who lives in Middletown, has raised money and awareness for the food bank and other charities through his many benefit concerts.

The party also honored 13-year-old Erin Puck of Fair Haven as "Junior Humanitarian of the Year." While undergoing chemotherapy for brain cancer, Puck put aside her own needs and focused on the fears of other young patients. She collected toys and stuffed animals for distribution at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. She called her efforts "Toys.Calm."

"Here's one dot-com that actually works," Bon Jovi said about Erin's efforts.

He deflected most of the attention, praising Erin and handing out plaques to people who work at the food bank on a daily basis.

He also made reference to the stock market plunge by advising his audience: "Take up singing. You'll make a lot more money."

Both honored guests received standing ovations from party-goers, who paid $250 each to attend. The party also served as a fund-raiser for the nonprofit agency.

Bon Jovi attended with his wife, Dorothea. Accompanying the Bon Jovis was record producer/songwriter Mark Hudson, who produced Aerosmith's new album, "Just Push Play," on Columbia.

Big Joe Henry, an oldies DJ on WKXW-FM (New Jersey 101.5), served as auctioneer. Among items offered were a tour of NBC studios and a drum lesson from Max Weinberg, drummer for the E Street Band and leader of the Max Weinberg 7 on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", a chance to sing with Tim McLoone's Holiday Express band; and tickets to the upcoming 'N*Sync concert at the Meadowlands in June.

Erin is a big 'N*Sync fan and has become friendly with 'N*Sync singer Lance Bass.

A silent auction also was held, with items such as a DVD set of "The Sopranos" and an autographed picture of Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante on the HBO series.

McLoon provided the music for the party, with a band that included local guitarist Bobby Bandiera.

Others in attendance were Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos Jr., R-Monmouth; Two River Times publisher C.C. Dyer; and Diane DiFrancesco, wife of acting Gov. DiFrancesco.

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