Ellicottville Little Eagles Receive $10,000 Gift from Frank Pitillo Memorial Fund
Ellicottville Little Eagles Receive $10,000 Gift from Frank Pitillo Memorial Fund
A generous donation continues Frank Pitillo’s legacy while fueling the future of youth football in Ellicottville.
The Ellicottville Little Eagles youth football program has received an extraordinary gift that will benefit its players for years to come. In a recent announcement, the organization shared that it was the recipient of a $10,000 donation from The Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Fund - a gesture they described as an act of “incredible generosity and support.” The funds will help sustain the Little Eagles league and ensure that young athletes in Ellicottville continue to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive both on and off the field.
“This donation not only honors my brother, Frank’s legacy and his love for the game,” Pitillo said, “but also invests in the future of our Little Eagles.”
The story behind the donation stretches back to the creation of the Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Fund, a community-driven effort that began in 2022 in memory of Ellicottville resident and sports enthusiast, Frank Pitillo, who passed away many years ago in a tragic accident. The fund was originally established to replace the deteriorating lighting system at Ellicottville Central School’s football field. Recognizing the importance of sports and community life in Ellicottville, Frank’s family - led by his brother, local restaurateur Nick Pitillo - launched a campaign to “Light Up the Night,” uniting residents, businesses, and alumni around a shared goal.
Through events such as golf tournaments, raffles, and direct donations, the effort quickly gained momentum. The community raised nearly $189,000, just shy of the $200,000 goal, allowing the project to move forward ahead of schedule. By the fall of 2023, brand-new, energy-efficient lights illuminated the ECS athletic fields, symbolizing both progress and remembrance. The project came in under budget, and the remaining funds were preserved for future community investments.
The Frank Pitillo Memorial Fund is managed through the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ensuring that donations are tax-deductible and used for charitable purposes. With the completion of the lighting project on the playing field, the fund has since expanded its mission to include scholarships for Ellicottville Central School students who excel in both academics and athletics, as well as additional community support initiatives like the recent contribution to the Little Eagles.
For the Ellicottville Little Eagles, the impact of this $10,000 donation cannot be overstated. Beyond immediate operational needs - such as uniforms, safety equipment, and field maintenance - the gift provides the stability needed to grow the program and continue offering a positive environment for young athletes. It’s a contribution that extends far beyond football; it’s an investment in leadership, teamwork, and the kind of community spirit that Frank Pitillo himself embodied.
As the Little Eagles expressed in their post, they are “beyond grateful for this support and the lasting impact it will have on our young athletes and community.” And indeed, under bright lights and with stronger support than ever before, the future for Ellicottville’s young players looks brighter than ever.
