Founder Of Baltimore Nonprofit Named Finalist For NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award

Noel Acton, the founder of a nonprofit that aims to help at-risk East Baltimore youth through sports, was named as one of three finalists for the National Hockey League’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. The Tender Bridge was founded by Acton in 2003. According to the organization’s website, he has “devoted his life to helping at-risk kids see and understand the alternative choices they have in life.” The organization manages the Baltimore Banners, an ice hockey team based in Patterson Park.