Jarden Corporation CEO Martin E. Franklin to Be Honored at A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala Benefitting the Challenged Athletes Foundation

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Martin E. Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Jarden Corporation, will be honored at the fifth annual A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope gala taking place June 8 at the historical Waldorf=Astoria. Considered one of the most inspirational and motivational events in New York City, the gala benefits the Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF), a world leader in helping physically disabled individuals get and stay involved in sports.

"To be an Honoree for the Challenged Athletes Foundation and represent such an incredible group of people is humbling," said Franklin. "I have the utmost respect for those who are brave enough to rise above adversity. I am very proud and honored to be associated with CAF," he added.

Martin E. Franklin is CEO of Jarden Corporation, a global Fortune 500 consumer products company with over $6 billion in annual revenues. An avid outdoorsman, Franklin has completed over 50 marathons, triathlons and other ultra-endurance events.

The event’s guest list also includes professional athletes and sports legends from the world of triathlon, basketball and baseball including reigning Ironman World ChampionChris McCormack and former New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer.

Highlighted athletes include Lt.Col. Greg Gadson, an inspirational West Point graduate and Army football player who lost both of his legs to a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007, and Oscar “Blade Runner” Pistorius, a South African Paralympic world record holder known as the "the fastest man on no legs."Proceeds from the Heroes, Heart and Hope gala will be used to raise funds for, and awareness of, physically challenged athletes.

The evening also features a live auction with opportunities to bid on a coveted spot in the Ford Ironman World Championship held annually in Kona, HI, as well as unique travel adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as the Grammy Awards and the World Series. Two-time Grammy award winner Macy Gray will provide musical entertainment.

To date, sponsors for the 2011 gala include The Ashken Family Charitable Foundation, Dodge, Martin and Julie Franklin, Stephen and Amandine Freidheim, Gates Capital Management, Gary Gilbert, Vicki and Michael Gross, Ironman, Jarden Corporation, Jeffrey A. Altman Foundation, Sheryl and Chip Kaye, Men’s Health Magazine, Mutual of America, Cindi and David Samson and Family, Gail Stackman, Scott Stackman, Gary and Rachel Sumers, Warburg Pincus, Dax and Rielly Viassis, ZICO and Zoot.

Additional details about the Heroes, Heart and Hope gala and auction can be found online at www.challengedathletes.org or by calling (858) 866-0959.

Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $30 million has been raised and almost 5,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.

Challenged Athletes Foundation
Tabi King
Phone: 858.775.2573
tabi@challengedathletes.org
or
The Wilmott GroupTina WilmottPhone: 858.876.4705
tina@wilmottgroup.com

Source: Challenged Athletes Foundation