On Monday, July 21 the Marty Lyons Foundation will host its 23rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club and Sands Point Golf Club. The event, sponsored by Capital One, will honor Martin Silver as the 2008 Man of the Year. Mr. Silver, president of Star Industries, will be recognized for his support of the foundation since its inception 25 years ago. He has wholeheartedly embraced the foundation's efforts to enrich the lives of these special children and their families. The Classic will begin at Old Westbury Golf and Country Club with registration and brunch from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Classic at Sands Point Golf Club begins with registration and brunch from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by cocktails and dinner reception at Old Westbury Golf and Country Club at 5:30 p.m. for all.

Mr. Silver has made a life-long commitment too many Long Island charities and organizations. He has been elected to three terms of service with the Village of Kensington Board of Trustees. He has been recognized by the Friends of The Israeli Defense Forces and The Boy's Town of Italy, as well as receiving honors from the County Club of Westchester Wine and Liquor Salesmen, The Brooklyn Restaurant and Tavern Owner's Association and The World Association of the Alcoholic Beverage Industry.

"It is an honor to be named the foundation's Man of the Year. The Marty Lyons Foundation is a dedicated, remarkable organization and I am very proud to be associated with their noble mission. I admire Marty Lyons tremendously for his tireless efforts to raise funds throughout the year. I'm pleased to be able to help make a difference in the lives of these deserving children and their families. I hope to continue to contribute to the foundation's wish-granting program in order to help brighten the lives of more girls and boys in years to come," said Martin Silver.

The Marty Lyons Foundation is a non-profit organization that now operates nine chapters in seven states. Founded by Marty Lyons, a former NFL defensive lineman for the New York Jets and member of the legendary "New York Sack Exchange", the Marty Lyons Foundation grants wishes to children between the ages of three to seventeen with terminal or life threatening illnesses. Marty Lyons was determined to establish a foundation dedicated to granting the wishes of seriously ill children after his own personal experiences with sickness and death. With the encouragement of his family and friends, he formed the Marty Lyons Foundation in 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.

"We're very fortunate to have so many friends like Marty Silver who have worked alongside us in building my dream. May we continue to be blessed to have Marty and all our loyal supporters for many years as we begin our 26th year of enhancing the lives of these children", said Marty Lyons.

Since it was established, the Marty Lyons Foundation has granted over 4,000 wishes to truly make a difference in the lives of these children so in need of happiness. The Foundation encourages anyone interested in supporting The Marty Lyons Celebrity Golf Classic to contact them for information on making a difference. Playing golf or attending the dinner is a terrific way to provide the Foundation with the resources that will allow them to continue their mission of granting these children's wishes. Golf packages, dinner tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about The Marty Lyons Foundation and the 23rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, please e-mail maryannc@martylyonsfoundation.org or call Mary Ann Canapi at (212) 977-9474.