10/23/2026
🌟 Meet the Committee 🌟
This week, we’re spotlighting someone who has been part of the Italian American Charity Golf Association for an incredible 34 years and is a former Committee Chairman, Sam LaMancuso!
❤️ What first inspired you to get involved with the Italian American Charity Golf Association, and what made you want to become part of the committee?
“I was initially drawn to the organization by the opportunity to combine a love of golf with a cause that truly matters. The chance to give back to our community and help support people affected by cancer made it something worth getting involved in. As I became more involved, I realized the organization was about much more than a golf tournament. It was about bringing people together, building relationships, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It also gave us an opportunity to celebrate our Italian heritage and demonstrate the values of family, generosity, and service that have been passed down through generations.”
⛳️ After more than 30 years, what is one tournament memory that has always stayed with you?
“When I look back over 34 years, winning the tournament in 2004 with Matt Hartweg was certainly a highlight. But what stands out most is reflecting on the number of people who have come together year after year, giving their time, energy, and resources to support a common cause. Watching the tournament grow and knowing that the hard work of so many volunteers translates into real support for cancer care is something I’ll always remember. Those are the moments that make all the effort worthwhile.”
📅 You’ve been part of this organization for more than three decades. What has kept you coming back year after year, and what does being part of this committee mean to you personally?
“The people, the friendships, and the mission have kept me coming back. Over the years, this committee has become much more than a volunteer commitment. It’s a group of people who share a genuine desire to help others and who are willing to put in the work to make it happen.
Personally, being part of this organization for 34 years has been a source of pride. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some outstanding people, develop lasting friendships, and contribute to something bigger than myself. I’m also proud that our work reflects the generosity, strength, and sense of community that are such important parts of our Italian heritage. Knowing that our efforts help make a difference in cancer care and in the lives of people in our community gives those years real meaning, and I hope our families can look at what we’ve accomplished and feel proud as well.”
🏆 As a former Committee Chairman, what accomplishment or change during your time in leadership are you most proud of?
“I’m most proud of helping build and maintain an organization that people can believe in, one that brings together volunteers, sponsors, golfers, and supporters around a shared mission. Serving as Chairman taught me that leadership isn’t about one person or one accomplishment. It’s about bringing people together, keeping everyone focused on the purpose, and making sure the organization is positioned to succeed long after your own time in leadership has ended.”
📈 Having seen the organization evolve over the years, what changes have stood out to you the most, and how has the IA Charity Golf Association grown beyond what it was when you first joined?
“Over the past 34 years, I’ve seen how much work, organization, and commitment go into putting on a successful tournament. What stands out most is the evolution of the organization and its ability to bring more people together in support of its mission. Expectations have grown, the planning has become more involved, and the importance of sponsorships, fundraising, and community involvement has continued to increase.
But despite the changes, the foundation remains the same: people volunteering their time and working together to support cancer care. To me, that’s the real measure of growth. It’s not just about putting on a bigger or better tournament; it’s about strengthening the organization, expanding its impact, and ensuring that the mission continues for future generations.”
🎯 What do you wish more people understood about the organization’s mission and the impact it has on cancer care and the local community?
“I’d like people to understand that this is about much more than three days on the golf course. The tournament is the visible part of an enormous amount of work that takes place behind the scenes throughout the year. Every volunteer hour, sponsorship, donation, and participant contributes to something much more important than golf.
Cancer affects families and communities in ways that most of us have experienced personally or witnessed through someone we know. Supporting cancer care locally gives our fundraising a purpose that is both tangible and meaningful.“
🔮 Looking ahead, what do you hope the organization accomplishes over the next 10 years, and what do you hope the next generation of committee members carries forward?
“Over the next 10 years, I hope the organization continues to grow its impact, strengthen its fundraising, and find new ways to support cancer care and the local community. Just as importantly, I hope we continue attracting younger people who bring fresh ideas, new energy, and a willingness to get involved.
My advice to the next generation is to remember why this organization exists. The traditions are important, but the mission is what makes those traditions worth preserving. Keep the friendships, camaraderie, and spirit of volunteerism alive, and carry forward the pride we have in our Italian heritage and in making our families proud. At the same time, don’t be afraid to try new things and find better ways to accomplish our goals.
After 34 years, I can say that being part of this organization has been a rewarding and meaningful part of over half my life. I hope the next generation experiences that same sense of pride and fulfillment, and that 10, 20, or 30 years from now, they’ll be able to look back and know they helped make a difference, too.”
Thank you, Sam, for 34 years of dedication, leadership, friendship, and commitment to both the organization and our community!
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