— See story below.

Listening to Mentors

Chef Hardy instructs a young man

The B-Men learn computer skills
*Photos by Eric Salvary

By Eric Salvary

PERTH AMBOY – A three-day weekend intensive titled “Eat-Live-Exercise” is designed to help young at risk boys become successful men. Hosted by B-Men’s founder, Edison Jaquez, who partnered with Celebrity Chef Max Hardy, Ben Judah Ceo. Of Club 114 Fitness, Educator Reggie Clark, Howard Efron Doctor and Music Producer and Cricket Wireless.

From an information standpoint each seminar gave the youth real time knowledge rarely talked about in most urban settings. The subjects touched on ranged from how to be successful, turning your life around after making the wrong decisions, health, eating right, networking and becoming a professional.

What made this weekend more then just a sit back and listen event was that Jaquez knew the goals that the youth had in mind.  He strategically brought in speakers from each field to challenge each mentee by giving the kids hands on experience.

Preparing meals with Chef Hardy was one of the ways he met this goal. Chef Hardy said, “We are teaching kids and giving back, but at the same time they are giving back to me. It is fulfilling to see them smile when they make a dish and at the end they say, ‘Wow this tastes good and it’s healthy for me.”

Making Music with Dr. Efron, which is something more then a hobby as he does it professionally along with being a dentist and Surgeon was a mind capturing experience. He showed the young men the science of making a song down to the intricacies of the first sound you hear and the timing of a verse.

At one point, all participant’s both mentor and mentee were able to give a heartfelt testimony. This gave the young men an open table to be transparent about their struggles and ask real questions about where they are in life and where they plan to be.

Jaquez stated, “I believe this is an amazing opportunity for the participants to be educated on the importance of healthy eating, healthy living, and exercising. At the same time the young men develop leadership qualities along the way” This has truly showed itself through out the weekend as you could sense some of the young men’s confidence grow whether it was taking on a task or learning how to network. The weekend turned into a great experience for all involved complete with great knowledge and great taste. These B-men are equipped for a bright future.