By Brooke Szpaicher
The Italian-American Charity Golf Association started in 1971 by thirteen original committed men. This year marks the 51st anniversary of bringing together family and friends from all over, over a common bond.
“This tournament is one that always brings back fond memories when my dad was alive and used to play with Frank Vassalo. Every year, my dad would look forward to the competition, but most importantly the friendships he had made over the years by participating in this event. I still remember how proud my dad would be to bring my mom and my sisters up to “show us off!”, says current Chairman of the Italian Amerian Golf Association, David Munella. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Munella, who remembers my dad (Eddie Szpaicher of Ellicottville)! (Munella’s father was on the original committee in 1971!)
The Villager (V): Can you start by introducing yourself? Who are you? Your position with the IA, how long you’ve been involved, etc.
David Munella (DM): I am David Munella, current Chairman of the Italian American Golf Association. I have now been on the committee going on 30 years. My father, Jack, was on the original committee that started this tournament in 1971.
(V): This tournament is one for the books and I believe the biggest tournament Holiday Valley puts on, what keeps this tournament returning every year?
(DM): I believe this is the most unique tournament in the country. It combines a competitive challenge with a family atmosphere. The pinnacle of the event is the money raised to support local organizations. Without question, the thing that keeps this going is a group of committed individuals who work year-round and the support of the community which has never ceased to amaze me.
(V): This is a charity tournament, correct? How are funds raised and what are they for? I know last year the funds are going towards a few year plan for technology/machines for the local hospital, is this still a work in progress?
(DM): This is a charity and as I previously alluded to, a competitive three-day tournament. The majority of our funds are raised through solicitation of businesses and individuals. One of the requirements for the players to be eligible to play is a minimum donation as well. We have been fortunate to have so many people who believe in our cause. We donate half the proceeds to a designated piece of equipment at UPMC Cancer Treatment Center and last year the new Hospice House in Lakewood.
(V): Why did this tournament originally start?
(DM): This is a great question. It started with our founding chairman Sam Restivo who wanted to start something when he played in an event where a Jewish individual asked a person of non-Jewish faith. The idea was to bring individuals of different cultures, such as an individual of a strong Italian heritage together with a person of non-Italian heritage. Then once his original committee was set, they decided that for this to be successful, they needed to focus on a worthy charity that affected so many in the community. They made the easy decision to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We have since incorporated and as an organization all our funds now stay locally. This has been a huge boost to our fundraising efforts.
This tournament will always be near and dear to my heart personally, but I think so many people recognize this event when it comes to town. For more information on how to get involved or donate, visit www.iachairtygolf.com.