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.