From Shallotte to Hollywood, Kri Peck gives back to his hometown

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY) — A Brunswick County native is making his mark in Hollywood and now wants to help young people back home pursue their own dreams.

Kri Peck, an actor, model and entrepreneur from Shallotte, began his entertainment career behind the scenes as a publicist. Now, he is using that experience to give back to the community that helped shape him.

His journey from a small farm in Brunswick County to Hollywood is proof that where someone starts does not have to determine where they finish.

Peck was recently in Charlotte for the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards, where he worked behind the scenes as a publicist.

“We send out all the press releases, we invite the media to come out, and a lot of the talent are here,” Peck said.

For Peck, being part of an event celebrating gospel music is personal.

He grew up in church and sang in the choir, where his mother served as choir director. Peck said his love for gospel music began in North Carolina.

“I was one of those kids that grew up in church, so I was there three times a week and I was in the choir. My mom was the choir director. And so, I first heard gospel music in North Carolina,” Peck said.

His small-town roots continues to influence how he treats people and approaches his career.

“I’m just so proud to be from Brunswick County, and those pillars that I learned really took me far to where I am today,” Peck said.

Getting to Hollywood, however, was not always easy.

Fear and uncertainty can be powerful for young people growing up in small communities with big dreams. His advice is not to let fear make the decisions.

“I think that it’s okay to be afraid. I mean, fear is a natural thing that we all feel, but I think that you can’t allow it to cripple you,” Peck said.

He even has a tattoo that reflects that philosophy: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Now, he is turning that message into action.

Peck recently launched the Kri Kares Foundation, a nonprofit designed to help students in his hometown pursue careers in entertainment, journalism and media.

“It’s a scholarship program. Our first initiative is a scholarship program that we’re going to give to those students that can help them kind of get a jump start going into that career pathway,” Peck said.

He understands firsthand how important access can be. His family was able to help fund his dreams, but he recognizes that not every young person has the same opportunities.

“Everybody doesn’t have that kind of access. So I wanted to give back to my community in that way,” Peck said.

The scholarship is only the beginning.

He plans to bring entertainment professionals back to Brunswick County for benefit concerts, acting workshops and other opportunities for students.

“Those are just not things that I had access to, but I was fortunate enough to get access to it later. So I just want to give that back to my community,” Peck said.

His message to the next generation is simple.

“I am an example that you can do whatever it is that you want to do. Just keep going,” Peck said.

Peck says the Kri Kares Foundation is just getting started, with more programs and opportunities planned for students in his hometown.

More information is available through the website.