Pepe & Joey given “Key to the City” of Hoboken, New Jersey.
|
Rich Pèpe has just returned from what he described a “whirlwind trip” where the city of Hoboken honored him and his childhood friend at the local chapter of the Hudson County Boys and Girls Club.
The event on December 7th, dubbed “An Evening with Two Guys from Hoboken,” also served as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club. Sponsors, including the Hoboken Rotary Club, the Hoboken Housing Authority and real estate developer Frank Raia, sat at tables with kids from the Club, alternating seating between adult and child.
Immediately after dinner, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club Gary Greenberg introduced several speakers.
Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano represented the county to thank Pèpe and Pantoliano, and State Assemblyman Ruben Ramos and State Assemblywoman Joan Quigley spoke on behalf of the state of New Jersey. Both the county and state issued legislative proclamations on behalf of the duo.
Pèpe’s grandparents emigrated to Hoboken exactly 100 years ago from Italy. “They arrived with $20 in their pocket,” he explained. “They were hardworking, honest people, community minded in this wonderful town called Hoboken.”
“It’s great to be back. Joey and I grew up together, we kept our friendship alive, and hopefully the children here at the Boys & Girls Club will make some bonds and friendships and create families.”
Then, pointing to his friends Pèpe and Frank Raia as examples, Pantoliano inspired the children to follow their dreams. “You need to leave here tonight knowing that if these guys can make something of themselves, that it’s going to be easy for you to do the same thing.” Before the festivities even started, Pantoliano, who still maintains a residence in Hoboken, was already growing sentimental about the occasion of helping the community, seeing old friends and feeling at home. “It’s not about me being honored,” he said. “It’s about me being home and here with these people and these kids.” |
|