story & photo
by Jessica Warzeniak

Some heroes aren’t measured by their great strength or incredible skills, but instead by their big hearts and acts of kindness.  Ten local hunger-fighting heroes are featured on the front panel of a limited-edition Cheerios box which will be on shelves this spring exclusively at ShopRite stores. The box was unveiled in a special ceremony at the ShopRite of New London on Wednesday, April 22, honoring local hero, Bill Pere, Mystic.

In marking the anniversary of the program, ShopRite teamed up with General Mills in a “10 Years – 10 Heroes” contest, a search for ten local heroes – five children and five adults -  who actively engage in the fight against hunger.

Bill, songwriter and founder of Local United Network to Combat Hunger (LUNCH), raised almost $1,000,000 for community outreach programs through his benefit concerts involving local kids.   “LUNCH uses the power of pop music to channel positive social action,” said Bill. “It’s good to know that large organizations like ShopRite and General Mills are appreciative of the work we do and are willing to support grassroots efforts to fight hunger.”

During the ceremony, Bill received a poster version of the box and 1,000 Box Tops for Education. Bill’s wife, Kay, was presented with a $500 donation to the LUNCH organization.

For more information please visit www.lunchensemble.com. Check out Bill and Kay Pere, LUNCH, Larry Batter, CT Idol Finalist Denise LeVassuer  at their next concert at 7 pm, Union Baptist Church, Mystic, on May 16. The concert is a benefit for a Katrina mission trip. Tickets
are $10.