'Abe' serves up Feed America Day

PROVO — David Perry isn't the type of man who likes a lot of attention. He's too quiet, too polite to look for recognition.

But he's no wallflower, either.

He'll dig up publicity, launch a national campaign, even put on a costume if asked to do so. Because for Perry, serving people is more than just a hobby; it's a calling.

That's why seven years ago the Provo resident started Feed America Day, encouraging people to fast two meals the Thursday before Thanksgiving and donate the money saved to charity.

The idea just wouldn't go away. Week after week, it came back, until he did something about it.

"It was a powerful thought that came to mind," Perry said. "I thought about it for a few minutes, then I dismissed it. … I thought, 'It's a great idea, but who am I to do it?' And then I thought, 'If you don't do it, who will?' "

Perry didn't take his summons to help feed the world lightly. He was emotional about it, his wife, Frances Perry, said. He was intimidated at the prospect. He felt inadequate.

But he overcame those fears because when he eats his food, he thinks of those who are hungry.

"He is the most selfless man I've ever known," Frances Perry says. "His whole life is service. … If I were to change his middle name, I would say David 'Service' Perry, because that is totally him."

Hearing his wife's flattery makes Perry shift uncomfortably in his seat.

"Oh, you have to take everything she says with a grain of salt just because she loves me," David Perry says with a laugh.

The stoic 69-year-old sits with his hands folded meekly in his lap. He bears a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln, with dark hair and a severe jawline.

Perry recalls when he was in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir 10 years ago and people would stop him on the street and say, " Hey, you're the guy in the choir that looks like Abraham Lincoln."

Enough people noticed the likeness and urged Perry to dress as Lincoln this year in honor of the former president's 200th birthday.

And Perry did just that, delivering a rendition of the Gettysburg Address at the Capitol and in Provo. Thursday marks the 146th anniversary of that address.