Described as a “bet” between her boyfriend, Jim Spry, and herself, Cher Bevilacqua simply supported the wrong team.
With the New York Jets falling to the Buffalo Bills in spectacular fashion Sunday, losing the “bet” resulted in the Long Island native who now lives in Lockport having to stand outside their home on Grant Street and Beattie Avenue with a cardboard sign, a brown paper bag over their head — which had disintegrated in the rain before this reporter arrived — to raise funds for a charity for two hours.
In a Facebook post, Bevilacqua announced her intentions.
“I’ll be outside from 3 to 5 p.m. by Beattie and Grant ready to take my heckles and collect for Forgotten Felines of WNY, INC.! (It’s) a small rescue devoted to kitties that aren’t able to go to rescues that are brick and mortar. These kitties are shy, seniors, sick and in hospice. Many rescues have turned these animals away due to their demeanor or illnesses or being “un-adoptable.” Let’s show them some support! See y’all later!”
At the agreed upon spot, Spry stood on the porch as Bevilacqua got honked at by passing drivers in her Jets jersey and Jets hat. A Long Island transplant, she said her father, Robert Bevilacqua, who passed away in September, had also been a lifelong Jets fan.
“I have a Jets tattoo on my arm in his honor,” she said, adding her grandfather, Victor, actually attended the only Super Bowl the Jets ever won: Super Bowl III.
The couple said they’d be at it again next season with an even more embarrassing wager. In the meantime, Bevilacqua said interested donors can find Forgotten Felines of WNY, Inc. on Facebook.
“Go Jets,” she said to a passing truck blaring its horn.