James Blake Foundation Hosts Exhibition to Raise Awareness for Cancer Research

December 9, 2013 | By Dave Suskin
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Photo credit: aguyandagirlphotography.com

A star-studded lineup was on hand at the 69th Regiment Armory in Manhattan to join hometown favorite James Blake in support of Serving for a Cure, Blake’s annual tennis exhibition and fundraising event benefiting early detection cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Blake, a former world number four and USA Davis Cup Gold Medalist, was joined by tennis stars Andy Roddick and John Isner, along with actor Boris Kodjoe for a few friendly singles and doubles matches to raise awareness for a cause Blake has shown significant commitment to since the loss of his father, Thomas Blake Sr., to gastric cancer in 2004. 

Hosted by former tour player and Tennis Channel Commentator Justin Gimelstob, the fundraising event included a court-side dinner and cocktails along with a live auction featuring high profile lots ranging from rare tennis and celebrity memorabilia to VIP packages like the IMG Academy Ultimate Tennis Experience and Party With The Stars on Grammy Night. Participation and product demonstrations from event sponsors Manhattan Automotive Company and Sherry–Lehmann Wine and Spirits were also featured in a highly festive atmosphere. But ultimately, the night was about giving, with the event raising nearly $200,000 for the cause.

Blake established the Thomas Blake Sr. Memorial Research Fund in 2005 to support early detection cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where the quality of his father’s treatment highlighted the critical role researchers can play in identifying difficult to detect forms of cancer to save more lives.

New York Tennis Magazine caught up with James to talk with him about the cause and the importance of giving back:

Do you feel you have an obligation to leverage your celebrity and personal story of being affected by cancer to raise awareness of the cause and early diagnosis/treatment?
Blake: 
I do feel a bit of an obligation to leverage my story for a positive impact on society. I have been lucky enough to have a platform given to me by my success on the tennis court. Then my family was affected by cancer and I want to do everything in my power to help that tragedy from affecting other families. I want the story of cancer destroying families to become a thing of the past. These events that I do are a small, but necessary step to achieving that goal. 

Given your New York roots, it must be redeeming to see the ongoing support of local individuals and institutions like Memorial Sloan-Kettering.  What are your thoughts on this?
Blake: 
I feel very lucky to have the support of so many local people and organizations that make a difference in the event. Memorial Sloan Kettering was so kind to my father and they are on the cutting edge of research. It is my honor to work with them on projects like this.

Following his retirement from the pro tour at the 2013 U.S. Open, Blake has continued to make philanthropy an integral part of his life, giving back through his foundation’s initiatives as well as remaining active locally through organizations such as the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program (HJTEP), where Blake learned to play.

For more information, visit www.jamesblakefoundation.com.

Credit all photos to aguyandagirlphotography.com

John Isner and Andy Roddick take part in the James Blake charity event

 

James Blake & actor Boris Kodjoe shake hands post-match with John Isner & Andy Roddick

 

Brooklyn Decker, wife of Andy Roddick, came out to support James Blake's Serving for a Cure

 

James Blake and Andy Roddick pause for a post-match photo at the 69th Regiment Armory in Manhattan

 

James Blake's Serving for a Cure helped raise nearly $200,000 for cancer research


Dave Suskin
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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