By Carol Fisher-Linn
Celebrating Italian American heritage for 54 years and fighting cancer along the way…
“June 12, 13, 14 marks 54 years of antics, golf, fellowship, friendship, food and fund-raising, along with celebrating our Italian American heritage.” Former Chairman Joe Paternitti laughingly related that quick one-liner describing the purpose of the Italian American Charity Golf Association. Bottom line, the club was designed to bring individuals together with a common bond and do charitable works. That vision has remained intact for all these years and helps a cause which will hopefully continue into perpetuity. Club members are getting younger, which brings a promise for more future fun and good works. This year, there will be 88 teams, 176 men, who come in from places across the country to play golf for a very special cause. The tournament is a merit thing where players must do the application process, donate money and volunteer to work the tournament, thereby earning points. It may take five years before a player earns the right to play in this tournament, and presently, there is a waiting list.
The tournament, currently played at Holiday Valley Golf Course, has become a family event with several generations of players participating. Current Chairman, Dave Munella had this to say about working with Holiday Valley all these years: “There are not enough words to describe what an incredible partner Holiday Valley has been for our organization. Much of our success can be directly contributed to what they do to help coordinate this event. Dennis Eshbaugh, President/GM, has demonstrated unwavering support. Kyle Benish Head Pro and Jay SaGurney, Course Superintendent do an amazing job getting the golf portion of it ready for 176 players. Our newest asset is Matt Campion, Food and Beverage. Along with his staff they will cater to hundreds of individuals during this time. The sheer magnitude to pull off this 3-day celebration as we like to say, would not be possible. We are forever grateful to be associated with these wonderful individuals. They are part of our team initiatives and goals to help raise money for Cancer Related Care in our community.”
Originally sending donations to the American Cancer Society, the club eventually reshaped itself. They decided that they wanted to keep that money local and had the perfect solution – WCA Hospital where they could direct funds locally and people could see how their donations were working in their own community. With their goal “Stamp out Cancer in our Lifetime,” there is much work still to be done. The American Cancer Society along with local Cancer Care programs at WCA and UPMC Chautauqua have benefitted significantly from the proceeds of their fund-raising efforts which last year helped them surpass 1.8 million dollars in (mainly small) donations firmly putting them on the path towards their next milestone of 2 million dollars. To read more about their amazing work, please go to iacharitygolf.com.
But there is more. They now include a scholarship for a local student aspiring to the medical field, and a special $2000 annual endowment for a family struggling with a cancer diagnosis. They have partnered with Star Hospice House through Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, donating funds for a room and providing amenities needed for a more comfortable stay.
This is far from just a few days of antics. This tournament offers an opportunity for a dedicated group of people to join hands and hearts to help those living with cancer have better chances of fighting this disease in their hometown. And for those dying, their generous efforts make it possible for them to have quality of life for their last days.
Golf Course, has become a family event with several
generations of players participating. Current Chairman,
Dave Munella had this to say about working
with Holiday Valley all these years: “There are not
enough words to describe what an incredible partner
Holiday Valley has been for our organization.
Much of our success can be directly contributed to
what they do to help coordinate this event.
Knowing nothing about golf but much about pulling off events of this magnitude, I asked Munella how it all comes together. Here is what he said: “I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about one of the most important support networks for this tournament. I’m referring to the wives of the committee men as well as so many players. For example, I have been on the committee for 32 years. My wife has been through it with me the entire time. True they may get a mini vacation out of this, but they have helped in so many areas. Putting gift baskets together, selling raffle tickets, helping with food prep to name a few. Putting this tournament on really is a team effort. For that we are so grateful.” “Grazie!”