Frank Pitillo Memorial Golf Tournament August 13
Frank Pitillo Memorial Golf Tournament August 13
Golf with purpose at Holiday Valley as the community comes together to honor Frank Pitillo and raise funds for local youth sports and student scholarships.
It’s back and bigger than ever! The Third Annual Frank Pitillo Memorial Golf Tournament returns to Holiday Valley on Wednesday, August 13th and the public is invited to be part of this high-energy day that blends fun, community, and giving back.
Whether you’ve played in the past or are new to the event, trust us - it’s a blast. But beyond the golf, it’s a powerful tradition that supports our kids, honors a legacy, and strengthens Ellicottville one swing at a time.
Proceeds will benefit the Ellicottville Little Eagles Football Team with much-needed uniform and safety equipment upgrades. PLUS, this year’s tournament will also assist in purchasing a new equipment shed for the local soccer team. And as always, monies raised will continue to support the Frank Pitillo Memorial Scholarship Fund, helping local students reach their potential.
“We’re proud to support youth sports and education through this tournament,” said Nick Pitillo, organizer of the event, “and we’re committed to expanding our impact next year with projects like the adaptive playground.”
The Frank Pitillo Memorial Fund was created in 2022 by Nick Pitillo to honor his late brother, Frank “Frankie the Clam” Pitillo - a standout Ellicottville athlete and entrepreneur. Frank was a football captain at Ellicottville Central School (ECS) and the nation's top-ranked junior skier before his life was tragically cut short in a 1976 motorcycle accident. In his memory, the community raised funds, including hosting a spaghetti dinner with support from Buffalo Sabres and Bills players, to install the first stadium lights at ECS in 1977. This monumental effort enabled the community to enjoy its first night games and carry forward Frank’s legacy of leadership and community spirit.
Decades later, with the original lights failing, Nick revived the effort to upgrade the system. The Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Fund set out to raise $200,000 for new, energy-efficient lights, commemorative plaques, and maintenance - a goal reached in 2023 through golf tournaments, raffles, and other community events. The Frank Pitillo Memorial Scholarship Program was established shortly after, which annually awards scholarships to ECS seniors who exemplify Frank’s qualities as scholar‑athlete leaders and entrepreneurs.
Keep the momentum going! NOW is the time to register your team, sponsor a tee sign, or donate a raffle basket for the upcoming golf tournament. Every dollar goes right back into the Ellicottville community. Let’s fill the field, light up the links, and keep Frank’s legacy alive through the laughter of kids, the roar of the crowd, and the generosity of this incredible town.
To register your team in the tournament, go to lightevl.com/registration. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring a hole can access opportunities at lightevl.com. (Many tiers are available and start at $250.) Any raffle donations can be directed to Villaggio GM Andrea Austin at 716-699-2199 or email Andrea@villaggioevl.com. See you on the course!
