By Kate Bartlett
Nick Pitillo at Villaggio has had great success selling Super Bowl football squares in efforts to raise funds for the Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Project. He was inspired when he received a generous gift of a week-long vacation in his friend’s Jason and Karen Butorac in Costa Rican penthouse. The first pool sold out in one week and was such a success that Nick decided to run a second. Lynn and Tammy Eddy stepped in and offered their condo in Mexico for the second grand prize.
“The support from the community is, as always, amazing.” Nick received an overwhelming amount of generous donations from local restaurants, shops and business owners. Prizes include stay and play packages at Holiday Valley, HoliMont, Wingate, Base Camp EVL, bar tabs at local bars, gift certificates to local establishments, and more.
Ellicottville native Frank Pitillo, Nick’s brother, was ranked #1 junior skier in America and was to begin training for the Olympics when he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in 1976. Friends and family pulled funds together to install lights at the Ellicottville High School football fields, where Frank was team captain. The lights were installed in 1977, but have not been replaced since. Nick saw the need, and began fundraising efforts in order to replace the lights in his brother’s honor.
The fields are utilized by not only the Ellicottville Schools, but the community as well. The little loop football teams host games and practice on the field, as well as other men’s and women’s sports. “It’s not only for Frank, and the schools, but for the entire community.”
Once all squares have been sold, the Superbowl pools will have raised $20,000, and by the end of Super Bowl Sunday, the total raised for the Frank Pitillo Lighting Fund will exceed $80K. Villaggio will be hosting a live Super Bowl Party starting at 5pm February 12 to celebrate with DJ’s and prize announcements at the end of each quarter. Packages include treats and sweets from Cup Caked, EVL Coffee Company, wine tasting at EVL winery, Ice Cream at T-Bar, brunch at West Rose, dinner at Dinas, bar tab at Madigan’s, dancing and drinks at Balloons, cocktails at The Banq, and Ax throwing at Ratchet Hatchet. First Quarter prize will be “Ellicottville is more than Skiing Package”, which includes a 2-night stay at Wingate, Fly Fishing tour from 716 Fly fishing, and Foursome of indoor golf from EVL indoor golf. Halftime Prize will be “Stay and Play Package from Holiday Valley” including a mid-week lodging package, skiing or golfing included, lunch at Holiday Valley and ski or snowboard rental from Boardroom. Third Quarter Prize is “Stay and Play Package at HoliMont” including 2 days lodging at the new Base Camp EVL, skiing or mountain biking for 4 at HoliMont, Brewery tour and tasting for 4 at EBC Little Valley and ski rentals from City Garage. 2 Final Grand Prizes are either 1 week in Zihautanejo, Mexico or 1 week in Costa Rica.
Nick has yet again been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Ellicottville community. “I’m surprised, but I’m not surprised. This community is just awesome. Whenever there’s a need, everyone pulls together and finds a way to get things done. That’s why we live here.”
Anyone interested in one of the last 19 Football squares can contact Nick at Villaggio (716) 699-2199 or on Facebook at The Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Fund. Everyone is invited to come celebrate at the live Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 12, 5pm at Villaggio, 7 Monroe Street. In addition to the prize announcements, guests also have the opportunity to enter and win 50/50 raffles and auctions.