The New Jersey Hall of Fame Honors the Jonas Brothers and Other Garden State Icons
This past weekend was a momentous occasion for the Garden State, as the 17th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) Induction Ceremony took place, celebrating not just the immense talent of the Jonas Brothers, but also honoring 19 other outstanding individuals from the region. Hosted by the beloved Danny DeVito, the event occurred on November 21, 2025, at The Rink @ The Arena located at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ.
In a night filled with electrifying performances and heartfelt speeches, the ceremony recognized figures who have made significant contributions in various fields, from the arts to public service. As Nick Jonas took the stage alongside his brothers, he captivated the audience with an inspirational message directed at young dreamers: “And to every kid at home wondering if you can make it... if you can survive the Turnpike traffic and the shore on Labor Day weekend, you can survive anything.” This sentiment truly encapsulated the spirit of determination prevalent in New Jersey.
Among the notable names honored was Dorothea Bongiovi, recognized as an Unsung Hero for her commitment to the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant that embodies a "pay-it-forward" philosophy. Bongiovi expressed her gratitude by highlighting the inspiration she drew from others within the community, including previous honorees that have paved the path for future generations. The ethos of giving back and community service was a recurring theme throughout the night, resonating with the audience.
Distinguished guests, including Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Senator Cory Booker, extended their congratulations to the inductees, emphasizing New Jersey's pride for its homegrown talent. Governor Murphy stated, "New Jersey is honored to be home to so many Hall of Famers who continue to inspire us all," reinforcing the state's rich legacy of excellence.
The roster of inductees this year is impressive, featuring names like CNN’s Dana S. Bash, Bon Jovi’s keyboardist David Bryan, and the Grammy-winning Isley Brothers. Each honoree's story adds to the vibrant tapestry of New Jersey’s cultural landscape, reminding attendees of the significant impact these individuals have made both locally and nationally.
As the ceremony unfolded, various performances enlivened the atmosphere, including special remarks from Jon Bon Jovi presenting an award to his bandmate and celebrated performances by artists, including John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. Each performance was a celebration of both music and the friendships formed over the years in the industry.
The NJHOF serves not merely as a hall of accolades, but as a beacon of inspiration for the younger generation, as emphasized by Jon F. Hanson, the NJHOF Chairman. He mentioned the importance of showcasing role models for today's youth to encourage them to strive for greatness in their own lives. This mantra resonates deeply within the Hall of Fame's ethos — that achieving greatness starts with resilience and the ambition to make a difference.
Visitors to the NJHOF's new 10,000-square-foot permanent installation at American Dream can engage with this rich history firsthand. Featuring state-of-the-art exhibits, the facility includes interactive displays, karaoke stages where patrons can sing alongside holograms of legendary artists, and a TV studio replicating the experience of interviewing iconic New Jersey figures.
In conclusion, the 17th Annual Induction Ceremony of the New Jersey Hall of Fame was a remarkable celebration of talent, grit, and community spirit. The evening not only honored significant contributions of the 2025 inductees but also reignited a sense of pride for the rich cultural heritage of New Jersey. For all those wishing to delve deeper into the lives and legacies of these remarkable individuals, the Hall of Fame offers an inspiring journey reflecting the values of resilience and creativity inherent in the New Jersey spirit.
In a night filled with electrifying performances and heartfelt speeches, the ceremony recognized figures who have made significant contributions in various fields, from the arts to public service. As Nick Jonas took the stage alongside his brothers, he captivated the audience with an inspirational message directed at young dreamers: “And to every kid at home wondering if you can make it... if you can survive the Turnpike traffic and the shore on Labor Day weekend, you can survive anything.” This sentiment truly encapsulated the spirit of determination prevalent in New Jersey.
Among the notable names honored was Dorothea Bongiovi, recognized as an Unsung Hero for her commitment to the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant that embodies a "pay-it-forward" philosophy. Bongiovi expressed her gratitude by highlighting the inspiration she drew from others within the community, including previous honorees that have paved the path for future generations. The ethos of giving back and community service was a recurring theme throughout the night, resonating with the audience.
Distinguished guests, including Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Senator Cory Booker, extended their congratulations to the inductees, emphasizing New Jersey's pride for its homegrown talent. Governor Murphy stated, "New Jersey is honored to be home to so many Hall of Famers who continue to inspire us all," reinforcing the state's rich legacy of excellence.
The roster of inductees this year is impressive, featuring names like CNN’s Dana S. Bash, Bon Jovi’s keyboardist David Bryan, and the Grammy-winning Isley Brothers. Each honoree's story adds to the vibrant tapestry of New Jersey’s cultural landscape, reminding attendees of the significant impact these individuals have made both locally and nationally.
As the ceremony unfolded, various performances enlivened the atmosphere, including special remarks from Jon Bon Jovi presenting an award to his bandmate and celebrated performances by artists, including John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. Each performance was a celebration of both music and the friendships formed over the years in the industry.
The NJHOF serves not merely as a hall of accolades, but as a beacon of inspiration for the younger generation, as emphasized by Jon F. Hanson, the NJHOF Chairman. He mentioned the importance of showcasing role models for today's youth to encourage them to strive for greatness in their own lives. This mantra resonates deeply within the Hall of Fame's ethos — that achieving greatness starts with resilience and the ambition to make a difference.
Visitors to the NJHOF's new 10,000-square-foot permanent installation at American Dream can engage with this rich history firsthand. Featuring state-of-the-art exhibits, the facility includes interactive displays, karaoke stages where patrons can sing alongside holograms of legendary artists, and a TV studio replicating the experience of interviewing iconic New Jersey figures.
In conclusion, the 17th Annual Induction Ceremony of the New Jersey Hall of Fame was a remarkable celebration of talent, grit, and community spirit. The evening not only honored significant contributions of the 2025 inductees but also reignited a sense of pride for the rich cultural heritage of New Jersey. For all those wishing to delve deeper into the lives and legacies of these remarkable individuals, the Hall of Fame offers an inspiring journey reflecting the values of resilience and creativity inherent in the New Jersey spirit.
Topics People & Culture）
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