Ace for a Cure: Smashing Out Diabetes was founded in Philadelphia by Jim and Timmi Vesci and their daughter Monica Vesci in 2004. This fundraising initiative was launched because Monica, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 17, was concerned that the family was not doing enough to support diabetes research. Monica pitched the idea of starting an event to her parents.
Jim and Timmi were on board and excited about the idea and the family decided to go with a tennis format because of their love for the game. They formed a small committee with family and friends, collaborated with the Germantown Cricket Club and the first grassroots event was launched in June of 2005, with all proceeds benefiting JDRF.
The annual the grass court, doubles format, round robin tennis tournament has expanded to three venues — Germantown Cricket Club, Merion Cricket Club and Wilmington Country Club — and has raised more than $410,000 for T1D research.
All proceeds from the event benefit JDRF and their mission to cure, treat and prevent T1D.
Fore more information about JDRF and Ace for a Cure, please contact JDRF Delaware at (302) 888-1117 or email delaware@jdrf.org.