Each week, 97.9 The Hill WCHL celebrates a Hometown Hero for the work they do — big and small — to help others in the greater Orange County community. And each year, the radio station holds a luncheon to further celebrate their altruism and efforts by rewarding them with a special program.
This year’s luncheon was held Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center on East Franklin Street, with many of the Hometown Heroes nominated in 2024 in attendance. Like the weekly segment, the luncheon was sponsored by Hendrick Southpoint Auto Mall, as well as supported by the Sancar Center, Southern Vintage Table, and Mediterranean Deli — which catered the luncheon. Local District Attorney Jeff Nieman shared a keynote speech, and Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson and Hendrick Automotive Group’s Poonam Nandani shared additional comments thanking the heroes. For entertainment, musicians Danny Grewen and Griffanzo played and 97.9 The Hill host Aaron Keck served as the master of ceremonies.
Check out photos from the event by clicking or scrolling through the gallery below, including portraits of the Hometown Heroes who attended the luncheon!
Do you have someone you would like to see recognized on the air and at next year’s luncheon? Submit Hometown Hero nominations here!
Master of Ceremonies and 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck (right) and his husband, Brad Bednar.
Musicians Danny Grewen and Griffanzo
From right to left: Hometown Hero George Chall, Victoria Chall, Wendy Michnoff and Robert Michnoff
Hometown Hero Lance Norris and his wife, Lisa
Hometown Hero Daniella Runyambo and Daniel Mucyo
Hometown Hero Michael Goy
Hometown Hero Godi Godar
Hometown Hero Lisa Kaylie
Poonam Nandani of Hendrick Southpoint Auto Mall
Hometown Hero Lyla Berman and her father, Kevin
Hometown Hero Jacques Menache and Joanne Ivey
Hometown Hero Jennifer Thompson
Hometown Hero Mone’t Peaks and her mother, Melody Peaks.
Hometown Hero Lindsay White and her mother, Lindsay White
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson and her daughter, Elena
Hometown Hero Brian Plaster
Keynote speaker and District Attorney Jeff Nieman (far right) and his family (right to left) Larkin, Burke, Stephanie and Susan.
Hometown Hero Frances Henderson
Hometown Hero Grace Beeler
Hometown Hero Keith Bagby (right) and his wife, Pat
Hometown Heroes Abigail Falk, Natalie Besser and Zoe Falk
Hometown Hero Jay Miller
Hometown Hero Jesus Avendaño (right) and Edil Enamorado
Hometown Hero Thava Mahadevan (center) with Maya Mahadevan (left) and Barbara Mahadevan (right)
Hometown Hero Manfred Makor (right) with his family, Marek and Lynn
Hometown Hero Kimberly Zirkle (right) and her husband, Franklin
Hometown Hero Jahara Davis (right) and her daughter, Veronica Young
Hometown Hero Emily Kass with Art Chansky
Hometown Hero Lloyd Kramer
Hometown Hero Paul Burgess and his wife, Eliza
Hometown Hero Gene Medler and Diane Eilber
Hometown Hero Sharron Reid
Hometown Hero Nehemiah Stewart and his mother, Lori Pratt
Hometown Hero Mandy McCullough (right) and her mother, Margaret Weaver
Hometown Hero Robert Porter
Special thanks to the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center for welcoming us in their incredible Great Hall.
Special thanks to Southern Vintage Table for providing beautiful vintage plates, goblets, and flatware.
Special thanks to Mediterranean Deli for the amazing spread of food that offered something for everyone.
Master of Ceremonies, Aaron Keck
Special thanks to Robert Griffin (Griffanzo) and Danny Grewen for the musical accompaniment.
Special thanks to Mayor Jess Anderson for welcoming our guests and kicking off the luncheon.
Special thanks to Poonam Nandani and Hendrick Subaru Auto Mall for making the Hometown Heroes program possible.
Special thanks to District Attorney Jeff Neiman for his inspirational message for our guests.
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