Jon Bon Jovi appointed to White House council

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/dec/16/jon-bon-jovi-white-house
Jon Bon Jovi appointed to White House council
Barack Obama rewards singer's dedication to 'civic engagement and social innovation' with position on advisory council
Sean Michaels
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 16 December 2010

Jon Bon Jovi has been appointed to a position at the White House by Barack Obama. The singer is to be part of a new committee "mobilising citizens, non-profits, businesses and government to work more effectively together". Bon Jovi is to serve on the new advisory council on community solutions, which includes executives from Starbucks, eBay, Gap and Amnesty International.

"These impressive men and women have dedicated their lives and careers to civic engagement and social innovation," said Obama. "I commend [council members] for their outstanding contributions to their communities ... [and] I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."

While Bon Jovi is better known for livin' on a prayer than for community organisation, his philanthropic reputation is cemented in the work of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which builds affordable housing for low-income families. Bon Jovi also campaigned heavily for Obama ahead of the 2008 election, holding a fundraiser at his New Jersey home. After the singer was passed over in yesterday's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announcement, his White House appointment must have been sweet relief.

"I am honored to have been selected by the president," Bon Jovi told the New York Times. "I have seen first-hand the powerful impact when people from the public, private and non-profit sectors work together. All of us have a role to play in helping address some of our nation's most serious problems, and I look forward to working with the rest of the council to help out where I can."