History of Support: St. Louis Italian Open

In 1973, a group of Italian-American businessmen from St. Louis were invited to participate in a charity golf tournament to benefit Boys Town of Italy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Inspired by the experience, they decided to start their own golf fundraiser in town. The first St. Louis Italian Open Golf Tournament for Children’s Charities was held in 1974, and 44 years later, the organization has distributed approximately $4 million to benefit local children.

The tournament has come a long way since raising $4,000 in its first year. Italian Open board president Dr. Carmen Castellano says the event usually raises around $200,000, and in 2017, it donated close to $500,000 in proceeds to children’s charities. “When it comes to fundraising, we don’t set out with a specific number we want to hit,” he says. “We feel like if we do a good job, the goal will take care of itself.” Castellano became involved with the Italian Open through his father, who participated in the inaugural tournament. The fond memories motivated him to get involved. “Once I went into business, I participated quite frequently and then joined the board,” he recalls. “It’s a very fun time for terrific causes.”

The golf tournament benefits around 40 charities, and Castellano says board members regularly recommend new organizations to support. The nonprofits must conform to two criteria: each must be local and support children. Some of the groups that benefit from the Italian Open include The Little Bit Foundation, Epworth Children and Family Services, and Boys Hope, Girls Hope. One of Castellano’s favorite initiatives was when the organization raised money last year through Fund-A-Need for Duo, a local nonprofit that provides assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities, therapy dog services to at-risk populations, education programming and more. “We were able to donate $60,000 to train and place support dogs in the St. Louis area,” he says. The donation allowed Duo to provide two dogs to area locations, including Mercy Children’s Hospital.

The Italian Open also provides annual scholarships. The Tangaro Scholarship Award is given to an outstanding high school student for athletic ability, academics and community service. It is named after Joe Tangaro Sr., a founding member of the Italian Open, who lived with ALS for 20 years. “It’s a great way to honor Joe and support local kids who are getting ready to go to college,” Castellano notes. He adds that along with the scholarship, the Italian Open also honors individuals who have made an impact in the community. This year’s honorees are Rosemary Locascio Hanley, co-founder of The Little Bit Foundation, and Guy and George Giudici, owners of Crescent Parts and Equipment.

Festivities for the annual tournament will kick off Aug. 4 with cocktails and dinner at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel. The evening also includes a program and silent and live auctions. “It’s a very fun, entertaining time,” Castellano says. “And there’s always lots of great Italian cuisine!” Players will hit the greens Monday, Aug. 6, at the Legends Country Club in Eureka, followed by a dinner banquet and awards.

Pictured: Golfers enjoy the 2017 St. Louis Italian Open tournament.
Photo Courtesy of the St. Louis Italian Open

Since 1974, the St. Louis Italian Open Charity Golf Tournament has supported local children’s charities. This year, the event begins Aug. 4 at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel with dinner and cocktails, and the tournament is Aug. 6 at Legends Country Club. Pictured on the cover: Joe Ambrose, Tom Tangaro, Dr. Carmen Castellano, Bill Frisella, Eddie Tumminia. For more information about attending, contact Shannon Duffin at 314.308.6243 or visit italianopen.org.

Cover design by Allie Bronsky | Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography