APPLETON — The 46th Red Smith Sports Award Banquet has been set for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan.18, at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, according to banquet chairman, Mike Reese.;

Tickets are $60 apiece with proceeds going to youth sports organizations throughout the Fox Valley. Information about the banquet and purchasing of tickets can be obtained by visiting our website at www.redsmith.org or by calling Joe Ornstein at (920) 570-2536 or email contact@redsmith.org.

Tickets also are available at Players Choice, W3035 County Road JJ, Appleton. Updates on the Red Smith Banquet can be found on Facebook.

In previous years, guests of the banquet have included 55 hall of fame athletes and sports announcers representing six major sports (23 baseball, 16 football, nine basketball, one wrestling, three motorsports, and three hockey) along with a two-time U.S. Open Golf Champion and Indy 500 Champions.

Other award recipients and speakers have been Heisman Trophy winners, baseball commissioners, professional sports team owners, major network TV and radio announcers, renowned sports authors, writers and columnists, and various other sports personalities.

Last year, Donald Driver of the Green Bay Packers, received the Red Smith Award and Whitey Herzog, a member of Baseball’s Hall of Fame, was presented with the “Nice Guy” Award. Former Duke University basketball standout and current ESPN college basketball game and studio analyst, Jay Bilas, was the main speaker.

Also, 10 local awards will be presented to volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to various sports programs in the Fox Valley. The JJ Keller Foundation and M&I Bank will give scholarships to an outstanding student athlete from each of the five Appleton high schools.