Bon Jovi Donates $1 Million To Sandy Relief

New Jersey native and world renowned rock star Jon Bon Jovi returned to his hometown of Sayreville today to announce a $1 million donation to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.

Bon Jovi appeared alongside Gov. Chris Christie, First Lady Mary Pat Christie and local officials before an audience of residents impacted by Sandy on a blistering day, Monday. Prior to the appearance, Gov. Christie and Bon Jovi toured the town.

It was the second time each has appeared in Sayreville since Superstorm Sandy struck the region in October. Bon Jovi also participated in the Concert for Sandy Relief on Dec. 12 in Madison Square Garden, along with Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Alicia Keys, among others.

"Being here is so emotional for me," Bon Jovi said. "This is where I grew up, went to school and met my wife. So I know that this $1 million sounds like a lot, but it's really just a drop in the bucket, and I know that there are people still suffering...We are taking a step together today to rebuild lives."

"When I reached out to Jon, I never expected this," First Lady Mary Pat Christie said. " The relief fund is here for the long term. Our job is to remind everyone that New Jersey is still hurting and we are going to continue until we are rebuilt."

The donation will go to the Relief Fund, and various organizations will be able to apply for funds beginning later this month. Applications will be assessed as they come in, and the process runs through October.

The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund was established in the days following the storm. It has awarded 51 grants for about $11 million, according to the Governor's Office. 

"After the storm, I toured the devastation and I was impressed with the people I met," Christie said. "I was impressed with their resiliency and their resolve to do something different. We're there to help rebuild or move on, which is why we're putting this together so you never have to go through this again."

"We've stood on our own two feet with the last two floods, and we relied on each other, but to keep rebuilding our homes, the hardships that puts on us are immense," said Fran O'Connor,  a Sayreville resident who has worked with flooding victims to get their homes "bought out" through the state Blue Acres Program. "We're so grateful for (Bon Jovi's) donation (to the Relief Fund). Jon showed he cares with the $1 million donation. We need donations like this. Without it, we can't move forward."

In Sayreville, more than 200 people were significantly impacted by Sandy, according to O'Connor. She said 129 people have already been approved for the buyout program.

"(Bon Jovi's donation to the fund) is terrific," Carl Kuczynski, 60, who was a lifelong Sayreville resident until Sandy forced the foundation of his home to cave in. "We need all the help we can get. People in Sayreville have done a lot to help me, and I'm grateful for everything."

Sandy was the fourth storm since 1992 to flood Kuczynski's home. This includes floods in 1992 and 2010, Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Sandy just over eight months ago. Kuzcynski has been staying with his sister and her husband since, and doesn't know where he will finally be able to settle down.

"Things are changing here," Kuczynski said. "I'm in the first group applying for the buyout. Whatever it is, I'm going to take it and hope it's enough."

Sayreville resident Donnie Unkel returned to his home for the first time since Sandy over the weekend. 

"It was nice to be able to sit down on my own couch, relax and be back at home," said Unkel, who stayed with his in-laws, along with his wife and three children for eight months. " ... There are still so many houses that are damaged.The basement walls have been flooded out. You go down Weber Avenue and you still see Halloween decorations."

Donations can be made to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund online at www.SandyNJReliefFund.org. Donors can also make an immediate, one-time $10 donation, added directly to their phone bill by texting "SANDY" to 20222. Message and data rates may apply.