By Kate Bartlett
Wednesday, August 12th marks the 4th annual Frank Pitillo Golf Tournament at the Black Diamond Golf Course at Holiday Valley. The event offers a fun afternoon of well-organized golf while supporting local youth, giving back, and supporting a meaningful cause. As tradition, proceeds benefit The Frank Pitillo Memorial Scholarship Fund and other local groups.
The event was created in 2022 by Nick Pitillo to honor his late brother, Frank Pitillo, a standout Ellicottville athlete and entrepreneur who passed away in 1976 from a tragic motorcycle accident at the young age of 16. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Frank’s passing, making the event even more momentous than usual. “It’s a priority in our family to honor Frank, celebrate his spirit, and give back to the community he loved,” says Nick. “It’s a pleasure and an honor to keep his name relevant. He’s been on my mind a lot with this anniversary, and it will be really special to gather his friends and the community together in his honor.”
The event kicks off on Wednesday at 11am with lunch on the patio at the Cabana Bar followed by a full day of golf at Holiday Valley. Vendors and restaurants are set up throughout the course, with an afterparty at Villaggio following the event. “We bring in unique vendors to keep this event interesting,” explains Nick. “It’s a lot of fun with food and drinks at nearly every hole. People gathering for a good cause makes for great energy. We have deep roots in our community, and the proceeds raised go directly to benefit our area.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit The Frank Pitillo Memorial Scholarship Fund as well other local charities that will be announced at the event. Scholarships are awarded to area students who excel in academics and athletics and demonstrate entrepreneurship skills. Last year, the tournament also supported the Ellicottville Little Loop Football purchasing helmets for the team. This year, Nick is looking to support another deserving group in the community. “We’re fortunate to be able to help the community and we’re looking to broaden our impact.”
The event was originally started to benefit the Frank Pitillo Lighting Fund, to complete the lights on the Ellicottville Central School football field. Through the generosity of our community, this project was completed in summer of 2025, and Nick saw the opportunity to raise funds for other worthy local causes.
“When we started, we thought we’d run the golf event through the completion of the lights,” explains Nick. “Once we had momentum with the tournament, we decided to continue and raise funds for other causes in the community. It’s been incredible to watch this community come together. We’re so fortunate to live in such a supportive environment.”
Over the years, the Frank Pitillo Memorial Scholarship Fund has donated 19 scholarship funds in addition to the $200,000 initial lighting project at the football field. “The impact is more than I ever could have imagined,” remarks Nick.
Golf registration has reached capacity at 144 players, but there is still availability for advertising and sponsorships. For more information visit lightevl.com and follow The Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Fund on Facebook.