Famed Artist Peter Max to Donate Art Work to the Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation

Artist Supports Charity, Reuniting Lynch Family Nearly 10 Years After Painting Cherished Image of Fallen 9-11 Firefighter

NEW YORK, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation, a charitable foundation that has provided $1.6 million in college scholarships to children of firefighters and victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks as well as other U.S. disasters, today announced that famed artist and pop culture icon, Peter Max, will donate art work to be auctioned off in a silent auction at the Foundation's annual dinner on Monday, March 28, 2011, at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers in New York City.  

Mr. Max's history with the Lynch Family dates back to the months shortly after September 11, 2001, when he painted a portrait of Michael Lynch in his FDNY uniform, as one of 365 firefighters in his installation, and gave it to the Lynch family as a gift.  This portrait has remained a centerpiece in the family room of the Lynch Family home in the Throgs' Neck section of The Bronx for nearly 10 years.  Recently, he was reconnected with the Lynch Family through one of the Foundation's donors, BMC Group, Inc.

"I am delighted to be reconnected with the Lynch family after all these years and to support such a great cause," Mr. Max said. "It is truly gratifying to know that the portrait of Michael I painted years ago has been so cherished by the Lynch family, and I am honored to be able to support the firefighters and their children by donating art work to the Foundation at this year's annual dinner in New York."

One of the nation's most famous living artists, Peter Max is also a pop culture icon. His bold colors, uplifting images and uncommon artistic diversity have touched almost every phase of American culture and inspired many generations. He has painted for six U.S. Presidents, and his art is on display in Presidential Libraries and U.S. Embassies. From art that appeared on the first U.S. 10-cent stamp bearing the title "Preserve the Environment," to 235 U.S. Border murals greeting millions of people entering America each year, Mr. Max seeks to capture themes of America at its finest in his art.

"My family and I are truly grateful for Peter Max's support of the Foundation," said Colleen Parigen, sister of Michael Lynch.  "Peter is truly one of the world's most talented artists and for years we have been blessed by his life-like portrait of Michael in my parents' home that warms their living room and reminds us all of his kind and generous spirit.  It is wonderful to reconnect with Peter in a way that will help and inspire future scholarship recipients."

The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation began in response to a terrible tragedy – the loss of Michael Lynch, a son, brother, fiance, uncle and New York City firefighter who sacrificed his own life on September 11 in an effort to save others. Facing the ultimate loss, the Lynch family saw an opportunity to help finance the education of young people as a living tribute to the human spirit and the family's collective resolve to respond to adversity with courage, strength, compassion and hope. The goal of the Foundation is to provide the means to help change the world, one person at a time, by helping the students of today become tomorrow's stewards of peace and freedom.

Details about the Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation and the Annual Dinner on March 28, 2011 are available online at www.mlynch.org.

SOURCE Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation