Hard Rock’s Jim Allen donates $100K to continue mayor’s legacy
LINWOOD — It’s now the Donald B. Vass Library and Community Center and already has received its first large endowment — a $100,000 donation from a longtime friend and admirer.
On a beautiful summer day outside the building at 301 Davis Ave., the city dedicated the Linwood Public Library to the longtime former mayor, through whose “vision in 1988, the Linwood Public Library now stands here at Crestlea Park,” City Councilwoman June Byrnes said.
“It’s an honor to celebrate you and the positive impact you have had on the residents of Linwood,” Byrnes said, addressing Vass in front of his large extended family, friends and city and state officials Aug. 16.
Byrnes said Library Director Maria Moss, her staff and the board of trustees have worked hard to keep the library thriving even while receiving less state funding.
“In today’s world, libraries are more than books on shelves. They have become community centers, Maker Space media rooms and locations where many organizations meet and learn. The city and the library are collectively working together on this for our residents,” Byrnes said.
The first phase of new projects at the former elementary school was completed in June when the library began offering story hour in an outdoor area funded through a state grant.
Opening soon, Byrnes said, is the Maker Space room, which will have computers, iPads, a 3-D printer, laser cutter and programs for robotics, engineering and coding available to patrons of all ages.
Byrnes said the improvements will continue this fall with installation of a small playground for young children.
“Mayor Vass, I promise to work hard and continue your legacy here at the library and in the city,” Byrnes said.
Mayor Darren Matik read a proclamation honoring Vass for serving as mayor for 20 years, from 1979 to 1999, during which time he helped establish “new businesses, new schools, a new library, new neighborhoods and additional recreation including the bike path that serves as a model for South Jersey.”
“Your continued commitment provided growth and educational opportunities, exemplified in creation of the Linwood Historical Society and expansion and relocation of the Linwood Public Library,” Matik said.
Stepping up to the podium, Jim Allen, the chairman of Hard Rock International who grew up in Northfield and moved to Linwood in the 1980s, addressed Vass directly.
“I am so humbled to be part of this experience, recognizing you and your family for all that you’ve given to the city of Linwood,” he said.
Allen shared a little history with the crowd.
“A lot of people don’t know who I really am. I grew up in Northfield, my father died at 48 years old. We didn’t have a penny in the bank, so I started working and I found friendship at the Rugby Inn on Tuesday nights with more than a few of us here,” he said to laughter. “Through that friendship, I met Mayor Vass. Don treated me in a way that was so special to me. You never knew it, but I looked forward to spending time with you — not just when I lost my license, and literally the mayor would give me a ride home.
“Is there any better way to get home? We’d have to go through a few back roads but we would get home to my house on Berkshire Avenue.”
He said the former mayor always supported him.
“I’ll never forget the day when I told Don that I am going to create these huge casinos in Florida. You were the first person who said, ‘I know you are going to do it.’ Many people told me I was a little crazy,” Allen said. “That bond, that friendship really gave me strength. Our company now is in 70 countries around the world with over 50,000 employees.”
He said he enjoys returning to the city, where he continues to own a home — “it is a very unique place, so many people don’t understand.”
“Linwood is second to none and I am so proud to be part of it,” Allen said. “Based upon that, we think it’s important — my wife, Shelly, and I — to continue your legacy, so we are going to make a donation of $100,000 to the Linwood Library.”
Following a round of applause, he continued: “But I do want something in exchange … the next time we’re at the Rugby, will you buy me a beer?” Allen said.
Reached after the ceremony, Allen, a member of Mainland Regional High School Class of 1978, said Vass had a profound effect on his life.
“It’s truly an honor. Don was an amazing leader in business but obviously, running the city for over 20 years, and he was a good mentor to me and that’s all you can ask for in life,” he said.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff