Marty Lyons Foundation Hosts 33rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic

Commack, NY; July 23, 2018 – The Marty Lyons Foundation (MLF), celebrating its 36th Anniversary, recently hosted its 33rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club. The Celebrity Golf Classic is the Foundation’s biggest fund raising event of the year to benefit its mission of granting special wishes to children between the ages of 3 to 17 diagnosed with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. After golf, guests attended a cocktail hour and dinner reception, including an award ceremony, raffles and auctions.

In attendance was Elliot Karlson, a wish child who was granted a wish to receive a medical bed so that he could stay overnight at his grandparents’ home. Before he received the medical bed, he was only able to make daytrips to visit them.

“Our ultimate goal is to make these kids happy while they are facing the challenges of their young lives,” remarked Marty Lyons. “The individuals and golfers who come out and support this great cause each and every year with their time and donations allow us to continue our mission and to put more smiles on the faces of these kids every day.”

The Celebrity Golf Classic attracted over 300 golfers and supporters. Former NY Jets football stars Kenny Schroy (MLF co-founder), John Schmitt, Mike Stromberg, Greg Buttle, Erik Coleman and D'Brickashaw Ferguson attended the event. Also in attendance were Mike Francesa, radio voice of WFAN Sports Radio; Bobby Valentine, former American professional baseball player and manager and “The Late Show with David Letterman” announcer, Alan Kalter.

This year’s Man of the Year Honoree, Dr. Ernest Vomero, a critical care physician specializing in pulmonology and internal medicine, and has been practicing for 30 years in Huntington, NY. Dr. Vomero is deeply committed to the Foundation’s mission and has served on the Board since 1993 as their Medical Advisor personally handling each wish application received. In 2013, he spearheaded the MLF Team of 6 riders in their first TD Five Boro Bike Tour – a 40-mile bike ride through the 5 boroughs of NYC. He gave an impactful speech at the dinner reception.

Mr. Michael Craig addressed the audience speaking from the heart about his daughter, Shannyn, who received her Disney wish from MLF in 2009 at the age of four. Shannyn recently passed away at the end of 2017.

The Marty Lyons Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded by Marty Lyons, a former NFL defensive lineman for the New York Jets and member of the legendary “New York Sack Exchange.” Marty Lyon’s determination led to the establishment of the Foundation after experiencing three life-altering events in March of 1982. These events forced him to “see the frailty, unfairness and the wonder of life.” With the encouragement of his family and friends, he formed The Marty Lyons Foundation in December of 1982. Since that time, the organization has worked to keep hope alive in the hearts of thousands of children and provide support to their families.

As a wish granting organization, The Marty Lyons Foundation is unique in that it will consider granting a second wish to a deserving child who may need the hope and inspiration to face the battle of their lives for the second time around. Since it was established, MLF has granted over 7,500 wishes that have brightened the lives of countless children. By playing a fun-filled day of golf and/or attending the dinner, supporters help provide the Foundation with the much needed resources to fulfill its mission of granting children their special wishes.

For information about the Foundation visit: www.martylyonsfoundation.org

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PHOTO CAPTIONS (Photo credit: Courtesy The Marty Lyons Foundation):

• 3682: Marty Lyons Foundation Wish Child Elliot Karlson (front, seated) with his father Gary, mother Sara and brother Owen, are surrounded by celebrities and golfers, including founder Marty Lyons (back row, fourth left) at the opening of the 33rd Annual Marty Lyons Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club.
• 3741: Marty Lyons (far right) walks with wish child Elliot Karlson (second right) and Elliot’s father Gary along with members of the New York Jets Cheerleading squad to greet golfers and attendees at the 33rd Annual Marty Lyons Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club.