Ozzie Smith to keynote Branson event

Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith is scheduled to speak in Branson later this year for a fundraising event.

Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks announced in a news release that Smith would be the keynote speaker for the Thanks4Giving Gala on Oct. 10 at the Branson Convention Center.

"The Thanks4Giving Gala is the club's major fundraiser of the year to raise operating costs for the upcoming year," officials with the nonprofit said in the release. "Money raised will stay in the community and go towards programs, education enrichment, meals and needs of club members in Taney and Stone counties."

Smith, who played baseball professionally for the St. Louis Cardinals, was a 15-time All-Star and earned 13 Gold Glove awards. He holds the record in the National League for the most games played at shortstop, at 2,511.

Past Thanks4Giving Gala speakers include golfer Tom Lehman and championship barrel racer Amberley Snyder.