Power of A Tourney
Power of A Tourney
Golfing for a Good Cause
Photos: Various sources
You wouldn’t think the sport of golf took too much skill or power, but it truly does. Another thing that takes a lot of work is giving to those in need. How do you combine the two? How does one support the other, when they are two very different things? It’s easy actually! Charitable golf fundraisers and foundations that benefit local, regional and national good causes abound this summer, and in this article we will be touching on a few of the biggest in our area.
EDDIE SZPAICHER GOLF CLASSIC
Let’s start off with one of the most well-known tournaments that happens right here in Ellicottville at Holiday Valley Resort’s Double Black Diamond Golf Course. Of course, the 13th Annual Eddie Szpaicher Golf Classic must always be mentioned, even if it’s too late to grab spot in the tournament. (The July 10th event is sold out already for this year, which is a great thing!) Eddie was a well-known local man who loved sports - especially golf - and after his sudden passing in 2012, his family decided to honor him by doing his favorite thing, playing golf. Eddie’s good friend, Jay Stoddard, organized the first event and ever since the tournament has gone on to raise funds to award Ellicottville Central School students with over $45,000 in scholarships.
The yearly pre-party and registration will be held on Tuesday, July 9th at The Depot. Cost is $25 a person, starting at 6:00pm and everyone is welcome. Saturday, July 10th is when everything tees off (ha, I made a pun!). Check in is at 9:00am at the Holiday Valley Cabana Bar. 10:00am signals the shotgun start for the 18 holes of golf. Even if you aren’t participating, you should still check out the event, if only for the outfits. This year is is western themed. You can visit bigedgolf.com for updates and to prepare for next year, if you’d like to participate. They are also still accepting sponsors.
As Big Ed’s family says on their online message, “We are looking forward to another tournament this year filled with good friends, great stories, and unpredictable weather!”
FRANK PITILLO MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
You can’t forget the 2nd Annual Frank Pitillo Memorial Golf Tournament, also being held at Holiday Valley on Wednesday, August 14th. Registration will be opening soon and sponsorships will be available. The proceeds from this event go to the Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Fund, which was created to replace the Ellicottville Central School’s football field lighting that was donated in the memory of Frank Pitillo back in 1976. The project has proven successful, as new lights were installed and will now also provide scholarships to local ECS students once the full lighting project is completed. You can learn more details by reaching out to Nick Pitillo at nick@osteriabuffalo.com.
THE ELLICOTTVILLE PLAYGROUND GOLF TOURNAMENT
There is a new event to look forward to this year - The Ellicottville Playground Golf Tournament, happening on July 27th. There is still time to register! The Ellicottville Playground team is looking to further their goal of creating a new all inclusive playground in town. This is their first large-scale fundraiser and all the proceeds that they earn will go directly into the new playground fund. This is the dream of 5 local women, with children of their own who with to raise awareness and create a place for all kids, those with and without special needs, to enjoy. The group consists of Molly Timkey, Tiffany Frentz, Patti Snyder, Kelsey Adamson and Kate Johnson-Clark.
You can register online at bit.ly/Playgroundgolf. Cost is $125 individual and $500 for a team of 4. The price includes a round of golf, cart, dinner, swag bag, and chances to win prizes. Shotgun start is at 2:00pm at the Concord Crest Golf Course.
If you would like to join in on the tournament, become a sponsor or just donate to support the cause, keep an eye on their social media pages, (Facebook/Instagram) or email Tiffany@ellicottvilleplayground.com.
CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER GOLF CLASSIC
The 4th Annual Challenger Learning Center Golf Classic at the Bartlett Country Club in Olean, NY is squaring up to be a huge summer event. Sponsored by Cutco, Zippo, St. Bonaventure, The Blaisdell Foundation, American Refining Group,NES, Studio 4 East and Black, Lyle & Habberfield LLC, all proceeds wills be going to support the Challenger Learning Center in Allegany, NY. This is a 4 person scramble format with a shotgun start at 10:00am on June 21st. Cost is $125 a player. There will also be a basket raffle, goodie bags and pro-shop prizes for the winners.
The Challenger Learning Center is a STEAM education center that strives to ignite the potential within every student because todays students are tomorrow’s inventors. Students of all backgrounds embark on simulated missions where they work together to run hands-on experiments and solve tough problems. Every student has a role to play in making the mission a success, building confidence in their own abilities and demonstrating the power of teamwork.
This is a great cause to support, so if you’d like to join in or become a sponsor, please register at challengertwintiers.org or call 716-379-8686. You can help Twin Tiers students and educators experience the thrills, challenges and rewards of discovery.
GOLF FORE HEROES TOURNAMENT
Lastly (but most certainly not least) for our list this year is the The Pine Acres Golf & RV Resorts’s 9th Annual Golf Fore Heroes Golf Tournament happening on July 6th. This tournament directly benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. This organization offers support to military veterans who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001. They host a variety of programs and services such as mental health counseling, long-term rehabilitative care and advocacy efforts. You can learn more about the event by visiting Facebook.com/golfforeheroes. Or call and register/set up a sponsorship by calling 814-362-2005 or emailing info@pineacresgolfandrvresort.com.
Wherever you choose to take a swing, you’re sure to find a great cause to take to the green for. There are so many tournaments happening throughout the summer, so make sure you check in on your local golf courses and join up if you can.
