When Andre Peery was inducted into the Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club (RVBLC) on December 3, 2014 continuing a legacy that was begun by Lion William (Bill) Craft in 1977, along with his uncle, the late Lewis Peery. These two progressive thinking men did something that no one else in Virginia had done that resulted in the creation of a racially diverse Lions Club. The Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club is still standing strong today and remains a symbol of hope for the future.
The members of this club are joined together by a common denominator, their desire to serve others and their community. The 44 members volunteer together to serve meals at the Rescue Mission, read and sort eyeglasses for recycling, raise funds to assist blind citizens, and respond to other community needs on a case by case basis.
Andre Peery brings the same spirit that his late Uncle Lewis and Aunt Eulah (a member of the Ladies’ division) possessed, a strong desire to help others. While the club mourns the loss of founding members, Lewis and Eulah Peery, it is delighted to have Andre join in.
“I had a great role model for community service in my uncle/second father, since my dad and uncle were brothers, and I too follow in his footsteps to serve the community in which I live.” Andre expressed his desire to continue that community service legacy that his uncle established in Roanoke and also in Franklin County where he served as district executive for Boy Scouts of America. Andre has demonstrated that commitment by joining the Lions Club, Rotary, American Legion, VFW and the United Way, Helping Hands, Bridge to Life Champs Boards. He also works with local community organizations such as the St. Paul United Methodist Church community development project.
