Having earned his certificate in hotel and restaurant management from Paul Smiths College, Anthony Courcy currently serves as the restaurant general manager and training coach for several Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell franchises based in New York. Beyond his professional career, Anthony Courcy has been a lifelong fan of the National Football League’s New York Jets organization.

The 16th annual New York Jets Kickoff Luncheon welcomed the 2016 season by bridging football with lupus research and bullying awareness. Held at the luxurious Cipriani Wall Street venue, which has hosted the event for almost a decade, the luncheon welcomed guests with a green carpet entrance.

The New York Jets cheerleading team “Flight Crew” and the Aviators Drumline performed for attendees prior to Jets’ radio personality and emcee Bob Wischusen taking stage. Also in attendance were team owner Woody Johnson and president Neil Glat.

The afternoon highlighted the organization’s new campaign in 2016 to prevent bullying and informed eventgoers that Alliance for Lupus Research has become Lupus Research Alliance. Glat emphasized that although the organization is now bigger and more powerful, Lupus Research Alliance’s mission still remains focused on treating, curing, and preventing lupus.

The banquet concluded with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick commending the New York Jets franchise on its continued commitment to class, respect, and success.