The National Italian Invitational Golf Tournament for Charities began in the summer of 1958. A group of American Italian friends gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to play a game, which was rumored to exist, but seldom seen, and never played in the urban neighborhoods from which they came; the game of golf. The potential of such a gathering was immediately recognized. Common denominators of culture, background and personal experience gelled with and among the players. Over the years that followed, the Tournament evolved into its current format - a three day event which included 2 days of golf on two championship courses. A Board of Directors and Consulting Directors was created to reflect the national scope and nature of the membership. A focus of the Tournament became fund raising for the purpose of supporting local, national and international charitable causes.
Many of the Tournament's founding members were World War II veterans. They had witnessed first hand the devastation, heartbreak and poverty caused by the war. The war experience and relationship with Monsignor John P. C. Abbing, the founder of Boy's Town of Italy, led to Boy's Town of Italy being chosen as the Tournament's focus beneficiary. However, other charities including, but not limited to, The Milwaukee Italian Community Center, Villa Scalabrini, St. Francis Children's Center and St. Jude's Research Center have received contributions over the years.
Fifty-one years after the summer of 1958, the Tournament continues to evolve and grow. We have continued our tradition of recognizing an American Italian personality who has distinguished himself in his chosen field of endeavor. The golf activities have expanded and improved. The quality of food, an important part of any Italian event, now includes an ice breaker buffet on Friday night, a five station banquet with traditional sweet table on Saturday evening and a non-stop Italian style family picnic all day Saturday and Sunday.
The National Italian Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) entity, was created in 2001 to receive contributions from the Tournament and others. The Trust provides financial support to various charitable causes. The Directors and Consulting Directors serve on a voluntary basis without compensation. All Tournament proceeds after Tournament cost are paid are contributed to the Trust.
This invitation only Tournament is held the first full weekend in August at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
