A dream team is one way to describe Troy and Jenni Smith. Troy and Jenni met here in Jacksonville many years ago and now have six children. Both Troy and Jenni played sports in college, Troy played baseball and Jenni played volleyball. Now most of their free time is spent at sporting events with their six children. Being athletes taught them how to work together as a team. They cherish the lessons they learned and try to instill them in their children.
Not only are the Smiths teaching their children the value of teamwork, but they are also instilling in them the importance of giving back to one's community. Troy has served on the JDRF Board of Directors. He also served as Chairman of the PLAYERS Championship, and he is a member of the Ponte Vedra Rotary and the Palmer Catholic Academy School Board. Troy was also the President of the Jacksonville Bar. Philanthropy is very important to the Smiths and they both attribute their successes and abilities to give back to the teamwork they share with one another.
The Smith’s got involved with JDRF because their niece, McKenzie was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at a young age. Then their nephew, Ben was also diagnosed. McKenzie and Ben received excellent care at Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Clinic in Jacksonville. Now they are both in college at Florida State University. The Smith’s were impressed with JDRF’s innovative research, strong advocacy and commitment to providing access for all to quality care. They want everyone with Type 1 Diabetes to have quality care and in turn, successful and enriching lives. They understand that having a successful life with diabetes is often a team effort, and have been happy to support McKenzie, Ben and many others through the JDRF.
Troy and Jenni are thrilled to be the Honorary Chairs for JDRF’s Party with A Purpose event on Nov. 4. This special engagement will bring philanthropic-minded corporate and prominent citizens together for an evening of impact and fun that will include cocktails, dinner, competitive live and silent auctions, a special mission segment called Fund A Cure, followed by dancing and time with friends, old and new.
For 20 years, the JDRF Miracles Gala provided essential funds and support necessary to support the most promising T1D advances for children, adults and families battling T1D. COVID-19 forced JDRF to trim our operations and work differently to help ensure we remain most impactful for the mission. This party with a purpose will provide a taste of gala, with abbreviated auctions in a more intimate setting. Sponsors will have the choice to receive in-person benefits, or to allocate 100% of their contribution to Fund A Cure and receive recognition only with no goods or services.
