Sayreville, N.J., native Jon Bon Jovi returned to his home state to donate $1 million to the New Jersey Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, the charity led by first lady Mary Pat Christie.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was on hand to receive the rocker's donation -- a gift from his wife, Dorothea, and the band.
“Returning home is humbling,” said Bon Jovi, who flashed his trademark smile as he told a cute story about playing shows at the hall and thinking it was “the big time."
"My being here is not political, it's emotional," Bon Jovi said, then presented the check in front of the town’s borough hall. "I grew up here. I went to school here. I met my wife here."
Days after the storm devastated areas of Sayreville, the singer visited his hometown and spent time comforting area residents.
“One thought came to me,” he said. “What can I do? One of the residents responded, saying, 'Use your voice.' ”
His Because We Can tour will resume in North America on July 12 in Chicago. The group is set to play two hometown shows at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 25 and 27.