On Monday, September 14, our co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer, John Cronin, will be honored at the 4th Annual Courage Classic, presented by the Marty Lyons Foundation Long Island Chapter and the Denis Barry Foundation. This isn't John's first time supporting the Foundation, he's been a longtime friend, including supporting the Foundation's annual Draft Night fundraiser. This September, the Foundation is turning the spotlight on him.
"I am so excited for this day!" John said. "I love what the Marty Lyons Foundation does because it brings happiness to children who need it most."
The Courage Classic will be held at Indian Hills Country Club in Northport, New York. The day starts with registration and breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start. The evening brings extended cocktails and dinner at 5:00 p.m., followed by a program, awards, and auction. John will be there for the entire day, cheering on the golfers, celebrating at dinner, and soaking up every minute, even if you won't find him out on the course.
What Is the Marty Lyons Foundation
The Marty Lyons Foundation exists to fulfill the wishes of children ages three to seventeen who have been diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. What makes the Foundation unique is that it doesn't stop at one wish; it will grant a second wish to a deserving child, a level of commitment few organizations offer.
The Foundation's origin is a story of turning grief into purpose. In March 1982, Marty Lyons experienced the extremes of life in just six days: the birth of his first son, the sudden loss of his father, and the death of a young boy he mentored. Out of that, he founded a foundation to bring joy to critically ill children, starting with a small group of six people on Long Island, including his New York Jets teammate Kenny Schroy. That small group has grown into a national organization with 11 chapters across 14 states. As of January 2026, the Foundation has granted more than 8,800 wishes and raised over $45,000,000.
Marty Lyons has never once wavered in that commitment. As Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, he has served as fundraiser, wish grantor, and author, and he remains as active today as he was in 1982, always working to bring in new support for the children the Foundation serves.
Why This Honor Means So Much
John's Crazy Socks was built on a simple idea: that when you refuse to accept the limits other people put on you, and you choose instead to spread happiness, real things happen. The Marty Lyons Foundation was built on the same kind of conviction: that even in the hardest circumstances, joy and comfort can be delivered to a child and their family, wish by wish.
John has believed in that mission for years, showing up for the Foundation well before this honor came along, including as a regular part of its annual Draft Night fundraiser. So, this September isn't the start of a relationship, it's a celebration of one.
"In the way he spreads happiness and cares for other people, John is an ideal honoree for the Marty Lyons Foundation," said Marty Lyons. We couldn't agree more and we're honored that John's own story of courage is being recognized by an organization he's spent years standing behind.
Spreading the Word
We recently spent an afternoon with Marty Lyons himself, capturing photos and video to help spread the word about this year's Classic. Keep an eye on our social channels in the days ahead, we can't wait to share it.
Join Us
The Courage Classic is open to golfers, sponsors, and anyone who wants to spend an evening supporting a foundation that has spent more than 40 years granting wishes to children who need them most. Whether you're on the course or at the dinner table, your presence helps fund the next wish.
Register or donate for the 4th Annual Courage Classic
Follow your heart. Follow your dreams. Work hard. Show what you can do.
