The First Annual Juvenile Diabetes Fundraiser and Charity Tennis Event was held on Saturday, May 7th, 2016 at the Hershey Racquet Club in Hershey, PA. All proceeds from the event supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) which provides awareness and raises funds for scientific research to better treat, prevent, and ultimately cure Type 1 diabetes.

Our team was thrilled when we got the call from the Risser family, whose 10-year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two years ago, to help organize this wonderful event. The goal of this charity event was to raise awareness and funds for the JDRF and to bring out members of the Hershey, Lancaster & Elizabethtown community for an evening of tennis, raffles, entertainment and delicious food.

When brainstorming ideas for our fundraiser, our goal was to think outside the box, and organize a different kind of event. Instead of the typical charity run/walk, we thought a tennis round-robin tournament would be great way to raise funds and awareness while staying active and having fun. We approached the Hershey Racquet Club who was gracious to donate all 8 of their indoor tennis courts and their party room for the evening. Two USTA tennis professionals who work at the club also donated their time and expertise to run a round-robin tennis tournament and children's lessons and games. For those in attendance who did not want to play in the tournament, instructors were on hand to oversee a variety of games which included corn-hole boards and games of can-jam. Following the tennis round robin and games, our guests mingled, enjoyed food and drinks and took part in our wonderful raffle. We were delighted when local businesses and restaurants donated food, drinks and amazing raffles prizes for the event which helped make it a huge succcess.

Jennifer Risser's touching speech really made us all grateful for people who work to serve the community and give back to charities that they are passionate about. She noted that "there are many advancements in Type 1 diabetes in the pipeline, however research and a cure cannot be found without funding. That is why we are holding this event; so that, as JDRF puts it, we can turn Type 1 into Type None. Tonight was a huge success and the goal is to make this an annual event to raise more awareness and funds for Type 1 diabetes."