Since its inception, the 18 Fore Life Charity banquet held annually on the first Friday in June, has enlisted a keynote speaker in the sports arena. On June 7 this year, attendees will have an opportunity to hear perhaps the most noted sports figure to ever address the charity affair.

It was confirmed Feb. 14 that former St. Louis Cardinals Manager and Hall of Famer Whitey Herzog will serve as the keynote speaker at the charity affair.

"Being in the heart of Cardinal nation, this is as big as it gets," said 18 Fore Life founder, Scott Kruse, in making the announcement.

Referring to Missouri sports figures, Norm Stewart and Charlie Spoonhour, both former speakers at the annual event, Kruse noted, "We're honored now to have pulled off the trifecta when it comes to having Missouri coaching legends at our banquets."

Herzog, now 82, led the Cards to three National League pennants in 1982, 1985 and 1987, and led the Redbirds to the '82 World Series title in a classic game against the Brewers. He won six division titles in his tenure with the Rangers, Angels, Royals and then the Cardinals.

The Friday night banquet annually precedes a golf tournament at Hidden Trails Country Club on the first Saturday in June. The charity organization was founded in 1999 when a group of friends decided they wanted to hold a small golf outing for charity. The group extends $1,000 in love offerings to area cancer patients. In 2013, the Dexter-based charity passed the million dollar mark in donations sent to those facing the challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Additional information about the 18 Fore Life Charity and ticket information may be found online at www.18forelife.com.

Pertinent address:

11601 Hidden Trails Dr, Dexter, Mo.