Emmitt Smith to speak at Boys & Girls Clubs event

Professional football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith is the scheduled keynote speaker for an annual fundraising event hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.

Smith, who played in the NFL for 15 seasons, mostly with the Dallas Cowboys, is slated to speak at the Springfield nonprofit's 25th annual Steak & Steak Dinner and Charity Auction, according to a news release. The event is scheduled for Sept. 24 at University Plaza Convention Center.

"It promises to be an unforgettable evening, featuring a gourmet dinner, exciting auction items and the opportunity to hear from one of football’s greatest players," officials said in the release.

Smith joins past Steak & Steak keynote speakers who include Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, former St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa and former college football coach Nick Saban.

The most recent Steak & Steak event, held in 2022, raised $131,862, with roughly 700 attendees for the fundraiser featuring speaker Bill Self, head basketball coach at University of Kansas, said Amber Alcorn, director of strategic communication for Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield. Steak & Steak was not held in 2023, Alcorn said, noting a gala fundraiser was hosted last year to mark the nonprofit's 85th anniversary.