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Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey honored Peter Cancro, CEO of Jersey Mikes Subs Franchise at the 7^th Annual Concert For Kids on Wednesday, October 28^th at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The event featured a performance by the legendary Smokey Robinson to raise funds to assist Club members in reaching their full potential by cultivating their unique talents and providing opportunities to pursue higher education.

Jersey Mike's, a sub sandwich franchise with more than 400 stores open and underdevelopment is known nationwide for its commitment to the communities it serves.  In the first quarter of 2009, the company rallied its entire national network of franchise owners for the first time in its history to raise $50,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America through a special promotional offer. "We are very aware that some of our greatest charitable organizations are becoming even more essential in these tough economic times," said Cancro. "We are thrilled with the success of this promotion for Boys & Girls Clubs and thank all of our customers and franchisees who participated for helping us to give kids the chance to believe in and achieve their dreams."

In 1956, Mike opened a small shop called Mike's Subs in Point Pleasant, NJ which became an instant success as a pioneer of the authentic sub sandwich.  While a high school student in Point Pleasant, Peter Cancro worked at the storefront location. At the age of 17, he learned that Mike was interested in selling the business, and he approached his football coach for help in backing the enterprise. The rest is history. In 1987, Peter began franchising and changed the name from Mike's Subs to Jersey Mike's to capture the authenticity of where the sub sandwich was born.

"Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey is proud to recognize Peter Cancro for never forgetting his Jersey roots and more importantly for his commitment to the future of New Jersey, our children", noted Connie Ludwin, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey. In addition to serving on the Corporate Advisory Board for Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey and donating countless sub sandwiches for Club events, Peter and Jersey Mikes has a long history of supporting charitable activities across the country including Autism Speaks, the America Red Cross, First Tee and Special Olympics. "Peter has a sincere interest in our mission to keep kids safe and provide them with the opportunities they need to become successful adults", said Ludwin. "He is a unique individual who will not only write a check but also roll up his sleeves and get personally involved."

The 2009 Concert For Kids was presented by Verizon and was hosted by another of Jersey's own, Joe Piscopo. Joe, the former Saturday Night Live comedian and entertainer is a volunteer spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey.

About BGCNJ

The Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey, which operate 24 clubs in more than 75 communities, serves over 100,000 children throughout the state.  They seek to inspire and enable young people from all backgrounds, especially those who need them most, to achieve their full potential as productive adults and responsible citizens. The organization is part of a national network of some 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which serves more than 4.6 million young people annually, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach. The Boys & Girls Clubs offer hope and opportunity. More information about Boys & Girls Clubs is available at www.bgcnj.org. 

About Jersey Mikes

Jersey Mike's, a sub sandwich franchise with more than 400 stores open and under development nationwide, has a long history of community involvement and support.  Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike's serves authentic Northeast style subs on fresh baked bread - the same recipe it started with over 50 years ago.  The company's mission is to bring its customers the highest quality, freshest made sub in the industry and give back to the communities in which it operates. A store locator and franchise information for Jersey Mike's can be found at www.jerseymikes.com.