About
42 Years of Golf, Heritage & Giving Back
It all began 42 years ago when Dr. Lucatorto, Nicholas Tirabassi, Dan Cirino and Rubin Mariano shared a simple idea: bring friends together to celebrate their Italian heritage through the game they loved—golf—while raising money to help those in need.
That idea became the foundation of the Los Angeles Italian-American Golf Association (LAIAGA) and a tradition that has continued for more than four decades. Over the years, LAIAGA has raised more than $400,000 for charitable causes, making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless people and families.
Although the men who created this legacy are no longer with us, their vision and tradition continue to live on. Ralph Schiliaci stepped forward and vowed to keep the tournament going, successfully leading the event for many years. In 2013, when Ralph moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to his family, Jack Impellizzeri took over as Tournament Director and carried the tradition forward for the next decade.
In 2024, Jack passed the torch to Vincent Cavallo, a first-generation Sicilian-American, beginning the next chapter in the LAIAGA story. Today, the tournament continues to thrive because of the dedication of a passionate group of volunteers who give their time, energy and resources to keep this special tradition alive.
A Tradition of Giving
Throughout our history, LAIAGA has proudly supported a wide range of charitable organizations, including:
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Juvenile Diabetes Research
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National Kidney Foundation
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American Cancer Society
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Guide Dogs of America
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Villa Scalabrini Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
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Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's Cancer
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San Gennaro Foundation
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Hillsides Home for Neglected Children
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Circle of Hope
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley
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WeSpark Cancer Support Center
Our current charitable focus is education, with California State University, Northridge (CSUN) as a recent beneficiary. LAIAGA is working toward establishing a permanent scholarship trust designed to provide one to two scholarships each year in perpetuity, creating an educational legacy that can continue benefiting students for generations to come.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
The goal of LAIAGA has always been simple: make a difference in the lives of others while bringing our community together.
Today, business and community leaders, sponsors, volunteers and hundreds of individuals come together to support the tournament and its charitable mission. What started as a small gathering of friends celebrating their Italian heritage has grown into a community tradition built on friendship, family, heritage, golf and giving back.
We know there are many worthy organizations and causes that need support. But we believe there is something especially meaningful about coming together to help those in need within our own community and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Be Part of the Legacy
The LAIAGA tradition continues because people like you choose to be part of it.
Whether you become a sponsor, join us for golf, attend our dinner, make a donation or simply help spread the word, your support helps us continue a tradition that began more than four decades ago.
Golf brought us together. Our heritage gave us a foundation. Giving back became our legacy.
Join us and help write the next chapter of the LAIAGA story.
Celebrate Italian Heritage, through golf with friends.
Our Mission
The mission of the Los Angeles Italian-American Golf Association (LAIAGA) is to bring people together through golf, community and a shared commitment to giving back. We are dedicated to celebrating and preserving our Italian-American heritage while creating meaningful opportunities to support education, scholarships and charitable causes throughout the Los Angeles community.
Through the generosity of our members, sponsors, donors and community partners, LAIAGA raises funds to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families. Our goal is not only to support today's educational opportunities, but to build a legacy for future generations through initiatives such as our permanent scholarship trust at California State University, Northridge.
At LAIAGA, golf is what brings us together, but giving back is what drives us. We believe that when a community comes together with a common purpose, we can create opportunities, preserve our heritage and leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
Our Strategies
Host Annual Charity Golf Event
Organize and grow our flagship annual golf tournament, which serves as a key fundraiser and gathering point for supporters, sponsors, and the broader Italian-American community.
Engage and Expand Community Partnerships
Build meaningful relationships with local businesses, national brands, and charitable organizations to create mutually beneficial sponsorships and long-term support.
Celebrate and Promote Italian-American Culture
Infuse our events with elements of Italian tradition—food, music, language, and community—to preserve and promote our heritage among current and future generations.
Foster Member Engagement and Growth
Encourage active participation and leadership within our member base through volunteerism, social events, and regular communication.
Leverage Digital Presence and Marketing
Use our website, email campaigns, and social media to raise awareness, increase donations, and attract new members, sponsors, and supporters.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a lasting legacy where golf, community and education come together to create opportunities for future generations.
The Los Angeles Italian-American Golf Association (LAIAGA) envisions a community where our Italian-American heritage is celebrated, students are supported in achieving their educational goals, and generosity creates opportunities that extend far beyond today. Through our members, sponsors, donors and community partners, we strive to grow our charitable impact and establish programs that continue giving for generations.
Our ultimate vision is to create a permanent legacy of scholarships and educational opportunity, including our goal of providing one to two scholarships each year in perpetuity through our scholarship trust at California State University, Northridge.
We don't just want to give back today—we want to build something that continues giving tomorrow.
