Steinberg shells out cash for Spirit Run

Greg Risling

NEWPORT BEACH -- He just keeps giving and giving.

Sports superagent and Newport Beach resident Leigh Steinberg is spreading

his wealth once again by donating $60,000 to the annual school

fund-raiser, Spirit Run.

The money, which will be used over a three-year period, allows Steinberg

and his wife, Lucy, to have their names attached to the title sponsor

role.

“The community spirit and local support for this event has always

impressed us,” Steinberg said. “We are delighted to support this

meaningful event and help the local community schools realize their

important objective of enhancing public education.”

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Steinberg offered a small portion of

his financial fortune to event organizers. But it was somewhat of a

jaw-dropper to see Steinberg at a recent meeting at Lincoln Elementary

School. When parents and teachers learned about the agent, who rubs

elbows with some of sports’ biggest names, they were excited.

“He’s definitely stepped up to the plate,” said Rita Goldberg, a board

member for Spirit Run 2000. “I admire him for tying together his

professional and personal goals, which says a lot about his total value

system.”

The 50-year-old agent who represents such gridiron greats as quarterbacks

Steve Young and Drew Bledsoe, has consistently helped community

organizations, especially when it comes to children.

Steinberg and partners Jeffrey Moorad and David Dunn also challenge their

clients to support causes that benefit their hometowns or the cities in

which they play.

The Spirit Run is one of the largest children’s races in the state and

attempts to raise money for four Newport Beach elementary schools --

Andersen, Eastbluff, Harbor View and Lincoln. Since its inception 17

years ago, the annual event has netted about $1.5 million.

The event features several races for all ages, family-oriented activities

and entertainment. This year’s run will be held Feb. 27 beginning at 7

a.m. For more information, call (949)640-5350.