OffSeason 2009

THE COTCHERY FOUNDATION’S FIRST ANNUAL LUXURY TAILGATE PARTY was a spectacular success. Monday Night Football will never be the same for over 300 guests who had the unique opportunity to watch the game with some of their favorite New York Jets. Ray Catena Auto Group turned their Mercedes Benz show- room into a world class luxury box complete with a massive projection screen and custom sound system.
The evening began with ESPN’s Michael Smith, who unbeknownst to him had his own female fan club in attendance! Michael welcomed everyone to the “kick- off” event for The Cotchery Foundation, introducing the event’s hosts, NY Jets wide reciever Jerricho Cotchery and his wife Mercedes. Then, to ensure the fundraiser got off on the right foot, Honorary Event Chairman Jim Buchanan presented the Cotcherys with a check for $10,000. This donation from Ray Catena Auto Group was made as a sign of their company’s commitment to help further the foundation’s mission: “Opening Windows of Opportunity” for underprivileged children.
Football wasn’t the only competition that night. A heated rivalry between celebrity bartenders Chansi Stuckey, James Ihedigbo, Wallace Wright and D’Brickashaw Ferguson was underway to see who could raise the most “tips” for the foundation. Altogether an impressive $1000 in gratuities was earned that evening, with D’Brickashaw Ferguson’s specialty drink “The Brickhouse” earning him the highest in both praise and tips. Ferguson later helped raise an additional $650 during the live auction by personalizing an autographed helmet and taking a picture with the high bidder.

CBS Evening News Sportscaster Sam Ryan, our celebrity auctioneer, was in the zone managing to auction off the opportunity to send an underprivileged child to overnight camp. The high bidder generously donated $500 simply to make one child’s summer dreams come true.
The most enthusiastically contested live auction item by far was the private football camp for six kids with Jerricho Cotchery himself. With the bidding at $1750, Al Youssef, a long-time Jets fan, convinced his rival bidder to match the offer as well. Jerricho needed no convincing to add a second camp to the auction block and double the proceeds earned!
As the clocked ticked down on the evening, guests continued to enjoy fabulous food and mingle with the players who were happy to take pictures with and sign autographs for the many Gang Green fans that came out to support the cause. By the time the players left the field, over $62,000 was raised for the kids.
Ongoing Initiatives
Spring Football Camp Jerricho, with help from his Jets teammates, hosts a one-day football camp for underprivileged children. Bowling with Jerricho & Friends Gives children an opportunity to spend one on one time with Jets players, instilling in them the confidence to be successful. S.C.O.P.E. Summer camp sponsorships provide children in need the edge to succeed in life through the summer camp experience. All Stars Project Offers disadvantaged youths the opportunity to participate in Leadership Programs and the Arts. Keys to Reading Success Supports reading programs in underachieving/underfunded schools.
     “I want to give kids opportunities I didn’t have. Actually, I had opportunity,      I just didn’t have many resources.”
Jerricho Cotchery Jr.
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