FREEHOLD — WWZY 107.1 The Boss raised more than $73,000 during its eighth annual Mistletoe Rock Radiothon to benefit JBJ Soul Kitchen, a nonprofit community restaurant operated by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.
The Dec. 5 fundraiser featured simultaneous live broadcasts from Freehold Raceway Mall and JBJ Soul Kitchen locations in Red Bank and Toms River. Presented by Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9 of Central New Jersey and powered by Hutchins HVAC, the event brings the station’s cumulative giving to JBJ Soul Kitchen to $201,483 over three years.
Organizers said this year’s total will help provide more than 3,650 meals for people facing food insecurity.
JBJ Soul Kitchen offers locally sourced, three-course meals to both paying customers and guests in need through a Pay-It-Forward model. Since opening, the organization has served more than 233,000 meals, welcoming guests regardless of their ability to donate.
The radiothon kicked off at 6 a.m. with “Greg T. in the Morning with Rochelle” broadcasting live from Freehold Raceway Mall, followed by station personalities Michele Amabile, Cane Peterson and others throughout the day. Broadcasts and interviews were also held at the Red Bank and Toms River JBJ Soul Kitchen locations, including conversations with Jon Bon Jovi, Dorothea Bongiovi, volunteers and patrons.
“We are sincerely grateful to 107.1 The Boss for their continued support and for selecting JBJ Soul Kitchen as the beneficiary for the third year in a row,” said Tessa Caruso, marketing manager for the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. “The generosity of donors helps us serve even more meals as the need in our communities continues to grow.”
Mike Ryan, vice president of programming for Press Communications, thanked listeners, advertisers and partners for their support. “We couldn’t be more thankful,” he said.
Donations were collected in person at live broadcast centers, through a phone bank and online. Contributors who gave $107 or more were recognized as “Partners in Soul” and received commemorative T-shirts, with select items autographed by Bon Jovi. Donors also had access to prizes and auction items ranging from signed memorabilia and jewelry to trips, concert tickets and local experiences.
The fundraising campaign concluded Dec. 10 with a Mistletoe Rock After-Party at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, featuring live music by Suit & Mai Tai and a ceremonial check presentation to JBJ Soul Kitchen.
Since its inception, the Mistletoe Rock Radiothon has raised more than $313,000 for local charities along the Jersey Shore. Information on the event and remaining donation opportunities is available by emailing info@PressCommRadio.com.
