Got this from James Blake's PR firm. For a very good cause, and something James has worked really hard to develop since his father passed.

James Blake announced that he will host a tennis exhibition, BackOffice Associates Serving For A Cure with James Blake, presented by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, with former World No. 1, Grand Slam champion and friend Andy Roddick, to raise money for Thomas Blake, Sr., Memorial Research Fund, which he established to support cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The event will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at Pier 94 in New York City.

All of the net proceeds from the event will benefit the Fund, named in memory of his father, Thomas Blake, Sr., who died of gastric cancer in 2004. To date, Blake has raised more than $1.5 million through his exhibitions, J-Block merchandise sales, and donations to support research into the early detection and screening of cancer.

“I am grateful to BackOffice Associates for stepping up to sponsor this event, and to my good friend Andy Roddick, for his willingness to help support a cause that is close to my heart,” said Blake. “I can’t think of a better way to raise money for leading-edge cancer research than to play tennis, entertain fans, and have a party afterwards. I want to invite everyone to come out for a memorable evening that will benefit such an important cause.”

"Too many families have been affected by cancer, including my family and the families of our employees," said Trish Kennedy, CEO, BackOffice Associates. "We are proud to partner with James Blake and his foundation, as well as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, in this endeavor. James and Memorial Sloan-Kettering are true leaders in the race to find a cure for cancer."

In addition to the exhibition between Blake and Roddick, the event will also include an after party that will feature a celebrity musical performance, a selection of food from a variety of high profile New York City restaurants, and fashion show featuring Blake’s new clothing line, the Thomas Reynolds Collection by Fila. Other tennis participants for the exhibition will be named at a later date.

Blake has hosted exhibitions the past three years featuring numerous celebrities and athletes such as future Hall of Famer Andre Agassi, superstar Serena Williams, and world-renowned musical artists John Mayer and Gavin DeGraw. James is proud to continue this event with the support of presenting sponsor Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, who has picked up the torch from their sister company Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Virginia and the support of his Virginia-based charitable event, Anthem Live!.

"We are happy to extend the support of our sister company in Virginia to work with James as his organization continues their great work with Memorial Sloan-Kettering," said Mark Wagar, president and CEO, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield. "This event highlights the importance of supporting programs that drive health and wellness in the communities where our millions of members reside, as Empire has done since its beginnings 75 years ago."

Tickets for the event are now available for $500 (VIP seat, meet and greet with the players, and the after party), $250 (box seat and the after party), $150 (box seat or after party), and $75 for kids (box seat). For more information about BackOffice Associates Serving For A Cure with James Blake, presented by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, and to purchase tickets, call 1-866-840-8822 or visit www.jamesblaketennis.com and www.mskcc.org/jamesblake.