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The basics:

• Bruce Springsteen, CFBNJ celebrate coinciding 50th anniversaries
• Limited-edition ‘Born to Run’ poster to benefit NJ food bank
• Only 2,025 prints available
• Proceeds support fight against hunger in New Jersey

Two New Jersey icons are marking their golden anniversaries by coming together for a good cause.

To mark the 50th anniversary of rocker Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” the Community FoodBank of New Jersey partnered with the duo responsible for the original album’s cover art to create a limited-edition poster for a fundraising effort.

The moment comes as CFBNJ celebrates its own birthday. Founded in 1975 by Kathleen DiChiara, CFBNJ has grown into the largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization in the state. It is considered the lead source of nourishing food for 800 pantries, serving infants through senior citizens.

Springsteen has been a longtime supporter of the Hillside-based nonprofit. Over the past five decades, he has volunteered, championed fundraising initiatives and lent his star power to help spread the word about the fight against hunger in his home state.

In a piece reflecting on CFBNJ’s anniversary, Springsteen said, “The FoodBank’s been very, very important to me over the years. I continue my involvement with it to this day. It’s one of the great joys of my life, and Kathleen is simply one of my heroes. Because in help, there’s always hope.”

NJ: ‘Where it all began’

Given the relationship, Eric Meola, the photographer who shot the “Born to Run” cover photo in 1975, and album art director Dave Bett described the newly announced collaboration as a natural fit.

“When I saw Bruce donating to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, I said to myself, ‘What an incredible thing. I’ve got this treasure trove of photographs that are some of the most sought-after photographs of Bruce, and what a great way to make money for the food bank,'” Meola said. “It’s only natural to want to donate to charity, and it’s a great feeling. It’s an incredible feeling, especially with Bruce involved.”

Meola added, “We chose to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ‘Born to Run’ cover photo shoot by supporting the fight against hunger in New Jersey, where it all began. It’s a reminder that iconic moments resonate long after they’re created.”

According to CFBNJ, only 2,025 posters – a nod to the milestone year – will be available exclusively at brucespringsteen.store for $75 each. All net proceeds will benefit the organization’s mission to address food insecurity in New Jersey.

CFBNJ President and CEO Elizabeth McCarthy said, “The 50th anniversaries of ‘Born to Run’ and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey are celebrations of resilience and community. With 1 in 9 New Jerseyans facing food insecurity, the proceeds from this project will make a tangible impact for thousands of families. We’re proud to honor this cultural milestone while working toward a future of food security for all.”