Marty Lyons Foundation Long Island Chapter Plans Marty Gras Dinner Dance

The Marty Lyon’s Foundation – Long Island Chapter will host its 4th Annual Marty Gras Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Captain Bill’s Restaurant in Bay Shore. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s mission to grant wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

“The dinner dance at Captain Bill’s, with entertainment by Tradewinds, will foster new friendships, encourage financial support and spread awareness of our mission. Throughout the year we are dedicated to fulfilling wishes of deserving children, but wishes are getting more and more costly so we must double our efforts through events like Marty Gras to raise enough funds to keep our program strong and vital.

“Words cannot express how rewarding it is to see a child react with a big smile when he or she is told their wish will be granted. Whether it’s a computer, a bedroom make-over or meeting a celebrity, by granting wishes the Foundation creates extraordinary memories for every wish child and their loved ones. We want to grant wishes to as many children as possible so it’s very important for us to have successful events like this one every year,” said Marty Lyons.

Marty Lyons, a former NFL star for the New York Jets and a member of the legendary New York Sack Exchange, experienced three life-changing events that led him to establish a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to granting the wishes of seriously ill children. In 1982, with encouragement from family and friends, The Marty Lyons Foundation became a reality. The Marty Lyons Foundation is unique among wish-granting organizations in that it provides a first wish and will consider a second wish for children who fall out of remission and are facing more battles with their illnesses. Now in its 35th year, MLF has granted the special wishes of over 7,300 children.

Reservation deadline for tickets to the Marty Gras Dinner Dance is March 4. Tickets are $125 per person; “Special Table for 12” is available. For sponsorship packages, contact Eileen Mayer at 631-834-7035. For information about The Marty Lyons Foundation, visit: www.martylyonsfoundation.org

-END-