Jon Bon Jovi Giving Back

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

Many people may not know this about Jon Bon Jovi, but he really gives back. He has donated over $500,000 to help to build 70 new homes for homeless veterans around Washington D.C. He has done so, with his band, through the JBJ Soul Foundation. While speaking on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” he explained his motivation.

“Oftentimes, they’re [veterans] left to deal with PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] and the issue of coming back to the workplace after leaving the battlefield … Life as you knew it is going to be different, and sometimes, people need that extra help.”

His band’s new song, Unbroken, just dropped as well and is written for the document called “To Be Of Service” about veterans and their service dogs. All proceeds from the song will benefit the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation.

Hot Pink Ladies Pulling a Plane

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By JohnPosted In: ChildFund International

It’s not every day that you see 20 women in hot pink shirts pulling a plane. But that’s what happened recently when these women, who usually direct planes, were busy pulling the plane 15 feet in 8.76 seconds. Why?

The Fly Girls (as they’ve called themselves) were one of 35 teams who competed in the Jet Pull contest that American Airlines puts on each year. The goal with the contest is to see which team can pull a jet 15 feet – and which can do it the fastest.

While the competition is certainly fun – it’s also quite meaningful. The contest is organized by the airline’s Abilities Employee Business Group and each team pays $200 to be registered in the competition. Proceeds benefit The Arc of Arizona, an organization that protects the human rights of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.


The Fight for Air Climb

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

Here is a cause worth getting involved in. In Nashville, Tennessee, local firefighters will climb 862 stairs on November 2 to honor loved one who have died from lung cancer and to raise awareness about the risk of lung disease for firefighters. They will be doing the climb in full firefighter gear including helmets, masks and boots.

As Gail Frost, the executive director of the Lung Association said, “In the line of duty, firefighters are regularly exposed to smoke, gasses, chemicals and other substances that can be damaging to their lungs, making them at an increased risk for lung disease. Firefighters are out there saving lives every day, so hopefully the work we do at the American Lung Association can help prevent lung disease and find a cure for lung cancer. We are honored that so many local heroes participate in our event.”

The Fight For Air Climb attracts hundreds of participants and will be followed by an after-party on Church Street with music, beer and more.

Sustainability and Architectural Inspiration

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By JohnPosted In: ChildFund International

Sustainable architecture has a lot to offer in so many realms.   First, it can actually impact the way individuals and societies see the environment since architecture has, historically, been responsible for shifting the cultural norm.  For example, an architect can choose to make the building green or not but just be certain to make it as attractive as possible.  That way, people will be excited by it.

Tokyo-based architecture professor and well-respected architect Kengo Kuma is all about sustainability in his design of low-rise buildings.  Through his firm Kengo Kuma & Associates, he builds structures with locally-sourced and sustainable materials including bamboo and wood.  He also believes that architecture can “touch [our] hearts,” and that architects have the power to “inspire people.”

Retired architect Moshe Victor Keinig agrees:

“Throughout my career I sought to be more than just a cog in the wheel,” the retired architect explained.  “In every position I had I wanted to make sure I was working within the rules but with as much of a leaning toward sustainability as possible.  I’ve always admired the work that Kuma has and continues to do in this field, in particular with his focus on the use of local materials to provide a sense of ‘healing and ease,’ to those who ultimately use them.  it doesn’t hurt that his eye for design is incredibly aesthetically pleasing!”