The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will host its inaugural Champions Gala, benefitting both Special Olympics Missouri and Champions Committed to Kids, with the ceremony set for 6 PM on Thursday, April 4 at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center in downtown Springfield. The event will also feature an appearance by special guest Peyton Manning, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In addition to a special pre-dinner VIP Reception, the Champions Gala will include a plated dinner, plus recognition of both Special Olympics Missouri and Champions Committed to Kids. The event will culminate with a special Q&A with Peyton Manning.
As part of the Hall of Fame’s new charitable initiative, a portion of the proceeds from the Champions Gala will benefit Champions Committed to Kids, a Springfield-based charity which gives children who are fighting chronic illnesses or a disability a chance to feel what it’s like to be part of an athletic team while building lifelong friendships. Special Olympics is the Hall of Fame’s statewide charity partner for 2024 and will be featured at (and benefit from) the Champions Gala, as well as the Hall of Fame’s four statewide Enshrinement Ceremonies throughout the year.
“Champions Committed to Kids is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Missouri Sports Hall of Fame banquet,” said Todd Edwards, co-founder of Champions Committed to Kids. “We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received, which will be instrumental in our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of local children. This event is not just a celebration of athletic excellence, but also a testament to the power of community and generosity in shaping a brighter future for our youth. We look forward to joining the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in what promises to be a memorable and inspiring evening.”
The ceremony is a way to offer a unique experience for sports fans, as well as to raise revenue for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that relies almost exclusively on fundraising events such as induction ceremonies, golf tournaments, auctions and special events such as the Champions Gala.
VIP Sponsorships, sponsorship tables and individual tickets are on sale immediately by calling (417) 889-3100.
“We are very excited about the Hall of Fame’s first-ever Champions Gala,” said Byron Shive, CEO & Executive Director of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. “As a staff, we have been working for months on planning an elite event that both inspires and entertains. We are very excited to recognize our local charity partner, Champions Committed To Kids, and Special Olympics Missouri, our statewide charity partner for 2024. We feel that everything about the evening will be both inspiring and entertaining and look forward to a great inaugural Champions Gala.”