Jon Bon Jovi receives Marian Anderson Award

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Jon Bon Jovi brought the stars to this year's Marian Anderson Award Gala at the Kimmel Center.

Performances included John Batiste and the All American Rejects.

"To do the work we are called to do and to realize our vision of our better world because we can and will make that difference," Bon Jovi said.

The star studded night in Center City which filled the concert hall wouldn't have been complete without host and funny woman Delaware County resident Wanda Sykes.

"You excel at everything you do. Music, acting, good hair," Sykes said.

Woven through this night of jokes and music, people lifting their voices in honor of the legendary Bon Jovi front man known for his philanthropy.

It's often we see the Jersey native off the stage donating his time and money to help the hungry, the homeless, the less fortunate.

His nonprofit Soul Foundation impacts one soul at a time.

And for those who watched him receive the award named for distinguished Philadelphian Marian Anderson, they couldn't help but sing his praises.

"Even though he's become very, very large, he's never forgotten his roots," Mary Corbin of Northeast Philadelphia said.

This was the 14th year for the Marian Anderson Award which also financially benefits young artists in our city.

Motown founder Berry Gordy received the honor last year joining recipients like James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte and Richard Gere.