Lenny Moore, Baltimore Colts halfback and NFL Hall of Famer, grew accustomed to breaking tackles and eluding defenders on the football field.
Moore is now eager to leap another hurdle for a good cause.
The well-known Baltimore icon will be hosting a fifth-annual dinner and silent auction on Monday at Martin?s West in Woodlawn to benefit the Leslie Moore Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization named in honor of Moore?s son, Leslie.
Leslie passed away in January, 2001 at the age of 43 after a nine-year battle against scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that involves tightening and thickening of the skin.
The foundation seeks to raise monies to distribute scholarships for economically disadvantaged youth in Baltimore City, and surrounding counties, to further their education.
“Over the years, I have found out that most people don?t know enough about this disease,” Moore said. “This foundation has given me the chance to expose what scleroderma is, and let the community know they are not alone in the fight for a cure.”
The dinner will include notable former pro football talents such as New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers and ex-Baltimore Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson.
Baltimore Colts alumni Milt Davis, George Taliaferro and 1980 Heisman winner George Rogers are also slated to attend. Former Colt Raymond Berry, a Hall of Famer, said last week he plans to attend.
“Lenny not only has remarkable talent on the field, but he has the natural ability to help other people,” Berry said Tuesday. “He has a sensitivity towards other people that is rare to find.”
Moore continues to maintain strong ties with the Baltimore sports community, building an ongoing relationship with the Baltimore Ravens and attending the majority of the professional boxing shows in Maryland.
Since 1984, he has worked for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice and provides assistance to juvenile programs related to education and substance abuse prevention.
“I have always been involved with helping young children,” Moore said. “My wife and I even spent our Easter at the Howard County detention center to help kids in need. This is just something I feel I?m obligated to do.”
For tickets to attend the Leslie Moore Scholarship Foundation dinner, call Cindy Ortman at 410-793-3905, ext. 2195 or Robbie Davis at 410-560-3200.
THE MOORE FILE
Sport: Football
Former team: Colts
Did you know? Moore was the No. 1 draft choice in 1956, and was the rookie of the year that season … Started as a flanker, moved to running back in 1961 … Amassed 12,451 combined yards, 5,174 yards rushing, 363 receptions for 6,039 yards … Scored 113 TDs, and had 678 points … Played in seven Pro Bowls … Comeback Player of Year, 1964 … Scored touchdowns in a record 18 straight games, 1963-1965 … Born Nov. 25, 1933, in Reading, Pa.
