Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Hard Rock International and Jon Bon Jovi Partner to Bring 'Soul' to Signature Series

JON BON JOVI DESIGNS LIMITED-EDITION T-SHIRT FOR HARD ROCK'S SIGNATURE SERIES: EDITION XXVI

Proceeds Benefit The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation To Make A Difference 'One Soul At A Time'

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Jon Bon Jovi has partnered with Hard Rock International, who today announced that the iconic rocker, who leads the #1 touring act in the world, has lent an original Bon Jovi design to create the Signature Series: Edition XXVI - a limited-edition T-shirt and pin, which will benefit the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the lives of those in need "one Soul at a time."

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090128/NY64146 )

Jon Bon Jovi is the most recent artist to become part of Hard Rock's Signature Series T-shirt program, which has helped to raise millions of dollars for charitable causes worldwide.

"Over the years spent building homes and rebuilding communities with the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, I've seen that people want to contribute to something they believe in," said Jon Bon Jovi. "With Hard Rock as a worldwide partner, the Signature Series lets fans contribute to our future builds."

The Signature Series T-shirt: Edition XXVI features Jon Bon Jovi's signature and original art consisting of Rock and Roll imagery that fans will recognize as authentically Bon Jovi. Draped with a banner bearing the band's name, the heart pierced by a winged dagger was created by Bon Jovi and is set on a black T-shirt, available in men's and women's sizes. Hard Rock's limited-edition Jon Bon Jovi Signature Series is currently available online at www.hardrock.com/rockshop and at Rock Shops at Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide.

Founded in 2006, the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need "one soul at a time." The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation exists to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair with programs and partnerships targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. As a result of his efforts, Jon Bon Jovi and his foundation were recently honored at the 2008 Billboard Touring Awards with the Humanitarian Award, which recognizes the philanthropic efforts of a touring professional.

"Jon Bon Jovi has been one of the world's most successful and popular artists for more than two decades, and we are proud to have such a celebrated artist and philanthropist become part of Hard Rock's renowned global Signature Series T-shirt program," said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International. "We are honored to be able to show our support for his Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation and help to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness."

Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. In 1990, Hard Rock International developed the concept of partnering with world-renowned musicians and bands, who create and donate imaginative designs to be reproduced onto T-shirts to benefit the artist's charity-of-choice. To date, the Signature Series program has included Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Shakira, Green Day, Eric Clapton, Ozzy Osbourne and more, raising millions for a wide variety of organizations, such as WHY (World Hunger Year), Fundacion Pies Descalzos, Amnesty International and Crossroads Centre Antigua.

About The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation

The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need one soul at a time. Through the creation of programs and partnerships targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness, the Foundation exists to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair. Current funding priorities have been directed toward affordable housing in cities across the country. Through 2008, Jon Bon Jovi and the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation have provided funding to provide 140 units of affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Visit www.philadelphiasoulfoundation.org for more information.

About Hard Rock International

With 123 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and nine Hotels/Casinos in 50 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya and Bali. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Macau and Penang, both scheduled to open in 2009; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in t2010; Dubai, scheduled to open in 2011; and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2012. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc.

To learn more about the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, please visit www.philadelphiasoulfoundation.org.

For further details regarding the Signature Series program, please visit www.hardrock.com.

For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.