| By Kevin Adler To put on a
football game on the scale of the Empire Challenge each
year requires an incredible range of contributions. It
ranges from the New York Jets and Hofstra University which
donate use of the field and practice facilities, to the
two dozen coaches and trainers who give up two weeks of
their summer, to the major corporate sponsors who help
foot the bill for the game and the many pregame
activities.
Outback Steakhouse has become closely associated with
the game through the efforts of Ron Duckstein, franchiser
of 16 restaurants in the New York City metropolitan area
and Long Island. A 17th restaurant will open in late
July in Secaucus, N.J., close to Giants Stadium.
Each year, Duckstein and local Outback restaurant
owners cater pre-game meals for both teams and coaches, as
well as a tailgate party. This year, Joe Gems, owner of
the Huntington restaurant, and Mike Costello, owner of the
Island Park location, were on hand to coordinate the
tailgate party.
�It�s an incredible feeling to participate in this
event,� said Costello, in between serving helpings of
Outback�s chicken, coconut shrimp, and famous Bloomin�
Onion.
Outback added a touch of in-game excitement with a
promotion in the second quarter. The public address
announcer told fans to look under their seats for
dinner-for-two gift certificates to Outback Steakhouses. A
somewhat orderly scramble ensued, as people searched for
the magical coupons and a couple of zealous fans went
through the rows looking for extra certificates in
unoccupied seats.
Canon U.S.A.�s support also dates back several years,
and its roots are strong on Long Island. The company�s
U.S. headquarters are in Lake Success, just about 10 miles
from Hofstra University where the Empire Challenge is
held. �Our employees live and work here, and a good number
of them are at the game this year with their families,�
said Jon Lese, Canon U.S.A�s Assistant Director of
Corporate Programs, who was attending his first Empire
Challenge game.
Boomer Esiason�s warmth and interest help generate the
loyalty from sponsors who return year after year. �Boomer
is a great person, always willing to participate in our
activities,� said Lese.
Recently, Outback solidified its presence in the area
by opening its first Manhattan location, at 56th Street
and Third Avenue. �The store is doing well, and word of
mouth is growing,� said Eric Grunfeld, a representative of
Outback�s corporate staff who attended his first Empire
Challenge game this year.
�No one from the home office had attended the game
before,� said Grunfeld, Outback�s Northeast Marketing
Manager who is based in the territory to help support
Outback�s growth in the New York City region. �This event
is fantastic. We are delighted to support Boomer�s work
within the New York area and to support the fight against
Cystic Fibrosis.�
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