The 2008 Grand Marshal is KC Icon, Larry Moore
The Martin City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is pleased and proud to have Larry Moore, longtime KMBC-TV9 news anchor, as its 2008 Grand Marshal for the 21st Edition of “the best little fun parade in Kansas City.
A great supporter of all things Irish, Larry anchors the award-winning 5, 6 and 10 p.m. news for Channel 9. A native of Missouri and a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism with a master's degree in television news, Larry holds the distinction of having anchored the news for more years than anyone in Kansas City!
Larry began working at KMBC as a reporter in 1968 and rose through the ranks to become primary news anchor in 1972. Before becoming a television news reporter, Larry was editor and reporter for two Missouri daily newspapers and United Press International. Larry's television news reporting and anchoring have been honored by the Missouri Broadcasters Association, the Kansas Broadcasters Association, the Missouri Radio and Television News Association and the Kansas City Press Club.
He has been chosen best television news anchor by Kansas City Media Professionals and by the readers of Squire Publications, Pitch Weekly, Ingram's Magazine and Kansas City Magazine. Wednesday Magazine named him best (favorite) Southlander. Most recently, Squire Publications editors and readers honored Larry as Kansas City TV Person of the Century. Kansas City Magazine named him as one of Kansas City's Top 10 Celebrities. Larry has served countless times as commencement speaker at area high schools and colleges. He also acts as role auctioneer at a great number of area fund-raising events.
Larry and his wife, Ruth, are recipients of the prestigious Broderick Award, recognizing their accomplishments in community and civic leadership. Larry is also a recipient of the Zink the Zebra annual community involvement award.
He has served on the community boards of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Kansas City Community Gardens, the National Lost-Child Network, the American Royal, the Ozanam Home for Boys, the St. Patrick's Day parade committee, the University of Health Sciences, Avila College and the Kansas City Press Club.
Larry devotes much of his volunteer community work to children. The national convention of the Dream Factory chose Larry to receive the coveted Stephen K. Douglas Award for his help in making dreams come true for chronically and seriously ill children in the Kansas City community. Since Larry helped organize the Greater Kansas City Dream Factory in 1984, more than 4,500 youngsters with chronic or serious illnesses have had their dreams granted in the Kansas City area. Larry spends countless hours each year at fund-raising events helping the Dream Factory raise more than $400,000 annually so that no child ever has to be turned away because of lack of funds.
The American Cancer Society presented Larry, a cancer survivor, with the prestigious Ambassador of Hope Courage Award for the cancer educational campaign that he conducted on television and in the community by sharing his personal struggle with cancer. He underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation to enable his immunobalstic lymphoma to go into remission. He continues to undergo frequent extensive physical examinations and testing to maintain a clean bill of health. Larry encourages cancer patients to contact him with their questions and concerns. His general advice is a three-point prescription that enhances chances for survival of cancer. It includes early detection, second opinions and support from family and friends, and faith.
Larry and his wife, Ruth, have five children -- three daughters and two sons. They make their home in Kansas City, Mo.
