John Cronin Named Honoree at the Marty Lyons Foundation's 4th Annual Courage Classic

John Cronin, co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Huntington-based John's Crazy Socks, will be honored at the 4th Annual Courage Classic on Monday, Sept. 14, presented by the Marty Lyons Foundation Long Island Chapter and the Denis Barry Foundation.

This isn't Cronin's first time supporting the Foundation. He has been a longtime friend of the organization, including supporting its annual Draft Night fundraiser. This September, the Foundation is turning the spotlight on him.

"I am so excited for this day!" Cronin 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. The day begins with registration and breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start. The evening includes extended cocktails and dinner at 5 p.m., followed by a program, awards and auction. Cronin will attend the entire day, cheering on golfers and celebrating at dinner, though he will not be playing.

What Is the Marty Lyons Foundation

The Marty Lyons Foundation fulfills the wishes of children ages three to seventeen who have been diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. The Foundation is unique in that it does not stop at one wish; it will grant a second wish to a deserving child.

The Foundation's origin traces back to 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 an organization 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 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 million.

Lyons has never wavered in that commitment. As co-founder and chairman of the board, he has served as fundraiser, wish grantor and author, and remains as active today as he was in 1982.

Why the Honor Matters

John's Crazy Socks was built on the idea that when people refuse to accept the limits others put on them, and choose instead to spread happiness, real things can happen. The Marty Lyons Foundation was built on a similar conviction: that even in the hardest circumstances, joy and comfort can be delivered to a child and their family, wish by wish.

Cronin has supported that mission for years, including as a regular part of the Foundation's annual Draft Night fundraiser, well before this honor came along.

"In the way he spreads happiness and cares for other people, John is an ideal honoree for the Marty Lyons Foundation," Lyons said.

Ahead of the event, John's Crazy Socks spent an afternoon with Lyons, capturing photos and video to help promote the Classic. The footage will be shared on the company's social media channels in the coming weeks.

Event Details

The Courage Classic is open to golfers, sponsors and anyone interested in supporting a foundation that has spent more than 40 years granting wishes to children in need. Registration and donation information is available here.

Cronin's motto, one he shares often: "Follow your heart. Follow your dreams. Work hard. Show what you can do."