KU basketball coach to keynote Boys & Girls Clubs fundraiser

Courtesy University of Kansas

Bill Self is scheduled to visit Springfield for the annual Steak & Steak Dinner in September.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield Inc. is bringing back its signature fundraising event after a two-year hiatus, and with it, the University of Kansas' head basketball coach is scheduled to serve as keynote speaker.

Self, who has led the Jayhawks to win two national championships during his tenure, is slated to visit Springfield for the Sept. 20 Steak & Steak Dinner at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-plex, according to a news release. The event was called off in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have incredible things to share, and we can’t wait to celebrate with the community," BGCS CEO Brandy Harris said in the release, noting Mercy is back on board to sponsor the event.

The event, now in its 24th year, features celebrity appearances, a steak dinner, and a live and silent auction.

In 19 seasons at KU, Self additionally coached an NCAA record, 14-straight regular-season Big 12 Conference titles and nine league tournament championships, according to the release.

He joins previous Steak & Steak speakers such as football players Patrick Mahomes, Nick Saban, Brett Favre, Tony La Russa and Lance Armstrong.

The 2019 event raised at least $400,0000 for BGCS, according to past reporting.