Armour Enlists Actress to Present 'Great Moms' Prize

In its continuing national campaign to recognize and honor "Great Moms," Armour enlisted actress and model Holly Robinson Peete to surprise Erica Soto, an exceptional Los Angeles-based mother of a child with autism, with $2,500 in free groceries.

The surprise event was held at the L.A. Speech and Language Therapy Center located in Culver City, Calif. Soto has dedicated her life to being the best mom she can be to her son, Adam. Her unconditional support and love have made her an inspirational mother to all those around her.

Soto, like so many moms, never asks to be recognized or celebrated.  But her surprise recognition with a with $2,500 in free groceries by Armour, Peete, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions, family and friends was extremely gratifying. "It's hard to explain to some people the struggles that a mother can face. It just feels good to have Armour, Albertsons and Holly Robinson Peete support us. It's like a 'win' for all moms," she continued, noting that while it's nice to be recognized, "The free groceries will really help. This means a lot," said Soto.

"Erica exemplifies what it means to be a great mom and we are pleased to partner with Armour to make sure that her inspiring dedication to her son does not go unnoticed," said Carlos Illingworth, director of communications and government affairs for the 353-store, Fullerton, Calif.-based Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions division of The Albertsons Cos.

Added Jennifer Zmrhal, senior director of marketing for Smithfield Foods, "We are proud to honor Erica Soto. The Armour 'Great Moms' campaign is dedicated to honoring and giving back to moms, our everyday unsung heroes. Erica is the embodiment of a 'Great Mom' and we are happy to reward her with $2,500 in free groceries at Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions."

For her part, Peete understands firsthand the challenges of being a mother of a child with autism, raising her own son, Rodney Peete Jr. Through her HollyRod Foundation, Peete, a mom of four, is committed to raising awareness and funds for autism.

"Sometimes moms don't always get the praise they deserve," said Peete. "That's why I wanted to partner with Armour to support their 'Great Moms' campaign to highlight all mothers across the country. I was especially pleased to honor Erica Soto," continued Peete. "She is someone that I admire as a mother and who has a tremendous spirit that has passed along to her son. Raising a child with autism takes a lot of characteristics of what it means to be a great mom, and Erica has them all.  I am proud to be a part of today's event with Armour."

The "Great Moms" campaign is a national program designed to highlight and reward everyday great moms across the country. The campaign includes monthly events through November to surprise and celebrate "Great Moms" across the country for their extraordinary efforts in their communities and at home.

Armour is currently hosting the "Great Moms" sweepstakes, from now through November 30, on specially-marked Armour products.