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WHEELING -- Former Pittsburgh Steelers player Mel Blount will bring his message as keynote speaker for the annual Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce dinner slated for 6 p.m. May 10 at Wheeling Park's White Palace.
Cocktails are at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:45 p.m.
Wheeling Chamber President Erikka Storch said ticket sales are picking up for this year's dinner, which will include the naming of the Kathy Fortunato Award recipient and the presentation of a new award, the Community Commitment Award.
"We are excited to have the fantastic response so far to our annual dinner, which is always a wonderful event. A very special evening is our anticipation, with the presentation of the Kathy Fortunato Award. Additionally, this year, we will be presenting a Community Commitment Award to a company we would like to recognize for their substantial contribution to the Wheeling business community.
"We are very excited to have Steeler great Mel Blount with us to share his message about his career and beyond with the formation of his Mel Blount Youth Homes," Storch continued.
A native of Vidalia, Ga., Blount played for the Steelers from 1970 to 1983. He gained prominence as part of the famed Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense. He led the NFL in interceptions in 1975 with 11, and was named NFL Defensive MVP for that year. He helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls and played in five Pro Bowls, earning MVP honors in the 1976 game.
During his career he intercepted 57 passes and recovered 13 fumbles, returning two for touchdowns.
He played in 200 games and missed only one over the course of 14 seasons. Blount retired after the 1983 season and then served as NFL director of player relations until 1990.
Blount is the youngest of 11 children. Growing up in Georgia, his family struggled with poverty. As a child, Blount helped provide for the family by loading stacks of tobacco on wagons before heading off to school each morning.
During college at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., he starred on the football team as a defensive back and return specialist. In the spring of 1970, before he graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education, the Steelers selected him in the third round of the NFL draft as the 53rd overall pick.
Blount has worked tirelessly as an advocate for troubled boys, having opened two boys' homes in Georgia and at Claysville, Pa.
His son, Akil Blount, who played football at Florida A&M University, was signed by the Steelers as a linebacker in February for the 2017 season.
To purchase dinner tickets, call the chamber office at 303-233-2575.