When Robert Moore was young, his father gave him some solid advice.

“‘Other than a house, don’t buy anything you don’t already have the money for,’” Moore recounted. “‘Respect your elders.’ ‘Help people wherever you can.’”

Robert Moore

Following his father’s guidance led Moore to financial success while also nurturing a generous spirit. He donated $25,000 in the summer of 2010 to the Pediatric Cancer Program at City of Hope and has included City of Hope in his will. His philanthropy is driven by a deeply felt devotion to helping children facing health challenges.

“I’ve always felt sorry for children who have handicaps or suffer from serious illnesses. It can hold them back. I just want to do as much as I can to help them out,” he said.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Moore served in World War II. Upon his return, he played a few years of professional football, but his sights were set on higher learning. After completing his degree, he began a career as an engineer.

He moved to California with his mother and his wife, Helen Moore, to be closer to family after his father’s death. For 40 years, Robert and Helen Moore managed an apartment building in Santa Monica, Calif. Their responsibilities allowed them to live there rent-free. Robert Moore banked the money they would have paid in rent and invested wisely.

Sadly, he lost his wife to Parkinson’s disease. In the wake of her death, Moore determined that the resources he had saved to fund her care should go to charities that help sick children.

Impressed by City of Hope’s reputation, he has named the institution’s pediatrics research among six causes that will benefit equally from his estate. Said Moore: “I don’t look at myself as a hero. I’ve been lucky. I’m happy knowing my money will go to help kids beat cancer. They’re the future of the world.”