Thursday, October 1, 2026
Four days after Ashley Castanio-Gervasi was informed she was ineligible to compete as a finalist in the $100,000 “Kick for Cash” promotion hosted by the New York Jets in conjunction with Hellmann’s due to a stipulation in the insurance company’s contest policy, she was informed Friday morning she’ll be permitted to attempt a life-altering field goal to win the grand prize.
So the 33-year-old East Rockaway resident and Long Beach High School math teacher and girls’ soccer coach will be one of four vying for the loot at halftime of this Sunday’s Jets-New England Patriots game at MetLife Stadium.
“We realized there was an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding Ashley’s eligibility for the contest,” the Jets said in a statement sent to the Herald Friday. “In an effort to remedy the situation, we are allowing her to kick this Sunday for an opportunity to win the prize.
“We value the passion and loyalty of our fans and are committed to creating memorable experiences,” the statement added.
The distance of the Kick for Cash won’t be revealed until moments before finalists step on the field. There will only be one winner. If more than one finalist is successful on their initial try, there will be additional kicks until a tie is broken.
“It’s been an emotional roller coaster, but in the end I’m glad to be getting a chance to kick,” said Castanio-Gervasi, whose family has owned Jets season tickets dating back to the mid-1960s.
At the Jets’ first seven home game this season one lucky fan inside the Tailgate Zone was randomly chosen to attempt the Hellmann’s Field Goal Challenge, a 20-yard attempt where winners received a Jets swag bag full of exclusive merchandise, a $100 Visa gift card, and a pair of tickets to this Sunday’s game where they will have an opportunity to Kick for Cash.
Castanio-Gervasi was that lucky fan Oct. 19 and successfully drilled the field goal, qualifying her for the Kick for Cash grand prize.
She was at the game versus Carolina that day with more than 80 family members and friends. Each year since her father Frank passed away in 2011, she along with her mother Lorraine and three sisters — Lauren Almonte, Courtney Mercado and Jaclyn Rothschild — have organized a group trip to a Jets game with proceeds going to the Esophegeal Cancer Education Foundation. So far, they’ve raised more than $50,000.
However, two months after hitting the 20-yard field goal Castanio-Gervasi was notified one of the contest’s written rules prohibited anyone who has coached or played soccer, rugby or football in the past four years from attempting the $100K kick.
Castanio-Gervasi was a standout goalkeeper at Stony Brook University and Oceanside High School but hasn't played soccer in 10 years. She’s coached Long Beach’s girls’ varsity team since 2021.
A Jets staff member called Castanio-Gervasi on Monday with the news she was deemed illegible. After days of dealing with disappointment, during a holiday week, no less, she can now refocus on the task at hand.
In addition to reversing the ruling, the Jets also gave her 20 tickets to bring family and friends along.
“I’m excited,” Castanio-Gervasi said. “Aside from this Monday, I haven’t practiced at all. So I’m leaving it up to fate. I’m super grateful for the opportunity.”
