APPLETON — The Red Smith Banquet, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at the Paper Valley Hotel, will have a new sponsor with the addition of J.J. Keller Foundation, Inc.

The J.J. Keller Foundation and M&I Bank Fox Valley will sponsor scholarships for student/athletes from local high schools, according to banquet chairman Mike Reese. J.J. Keller will replace Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

"Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has been a scholarship sponsor since 1983. We would like to thank them for their many years of supporting the banquet and welcome the J.J. Keller Foundation, Inc. as a new banquet sponsor," Reese said.

The J.J. Keller Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to providing support to non-profit organizations, projects and programs in the Fox Valley that deal with the causes and consequences of poverty and other special areas of interest, like mental health. Last February, the Foundation marked $25 million in giving over more than two decades.

Over those years, Jim Keller's interest in sports encouraged the foundation to benefit a number of local educational systems. They include the J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, the field house gym floor at Neenah High School and scoreboards at many local schools.

"These improvements made a significant difference to the athletic programs at the schools," Jim Keller said. "We are proud to have the Keller name associated with these high-class educational systems."

Jim Keller is proud to have the Keller name tied to the Red Smith Banquet and the scholarship program that benefits students at local schools.

"This is a great opportunity to be associated with a longstanding, first-class event that benefits the community as a whole as well as individual students, too," he said.

During the Jan. 18 banquet, former Wisconsin Badger and 1999 Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne will receive the Red Smith Award. Matt Lepay, the radio voice of the Badgers, will introduce him.

Former Milwaukee Brewer Jeff Cirillo will accept the Nice Guy Award. Greg Gumbel, studio host of NCAA "March Madness" and CBS football announcer will be the main speaker.

Information about the banquet and tickets, priced at $60 apiece, can be found at www.redsmith.org, by calling Joe Ornstein at 920-570-2536 or by e-mail at contact@redsmith.org