SINCE 1996
30 years of benefactor giving
60+ ORGANIZATIONS
Supported across WNY and beyond
$1.3M+
Total awarded since 1996
3 PILLARS
Education, athletics, and community
About Our Giving
A tradition of generosity, carried forward every year
Since 1996, the Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund has supported over 60 organizations across Western New York and beyond. Our program reflects the three values Ilio lived by every day: education, athletics, and service to the community. Each year, proceeds from the Celebrity Chef Culinary Extravaganza, the Jeffrey Brady and Harrison Phillips Bocce Tournament, and the Annual Ilio DiPaolo Memorial Golf Classic fund this giving. This makes every ticket and every donation a direct contribution to Western New York’s most vulnerable and most promising.
Who We Support
Giving across every corner of Western New York
From hospitals to high schools, wrestling clubs, to community nonprofits, the fund’s giving reflects the full breadth of Ilio DiPaolo’s generosity and his belief that a healthy community lifts everyone.
Education and Schools
The fund has invested in educational institutions at every level, from universities and colleges to high schools and individual scholarship funds honoring students and families across Western New York.
Health and Children's Causes
The fund has long prioritized the health and well-being of children and families, directing donations to some of Western New York’s most trusted healthcare organizations and children’s causes.
Athletics and Community Programs
True to Ilio’s wrestling roots and his belief in the power of sport, the fund has supported athletic organizations and community programs that develop character, discipline, and civic pride in young people.
Benefactors Since 1996
Organizations we have been proud to support
The following organizations have received support from the Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund since 1996. We are grateful to each of them for the work they do across Western New York and beyond. This list is updated annually following each fundraising year.
- Alberta Children’s Hospital
- Athletes in Action
- Baldwin Wallace University
- Bob and Helen Carpenter Foundation
- Boys and Girls Club
- Buffalo Police Athletic League
- Buffalo State Foundation
- Canisius College
- Cazenovia Ladies Hockey
- Center for Handicapped Children
- Children’s Hospital and Variety Club
- Cobra Wrestling
- Connoly CupCradle Beach
- D.A.R.E.
- Daemen College
- Diamond Girls
- ECC College Football
- Father Baker Services
- First Tee
- Flutie Foundation
- Galanti Scholarship Fund
- Gloria Shea Foundation*
- Heritage Centers
- Hilbert College
- Hunter’s Hope
- Immaculata Academy Mater Christi
- Italian American Police Scholarship
- John Kaczmarski Fund*
- Kelly for Kids
- Kids Escaping Drugs
- Make-A-Wish
- Matthew Foster Foundation*
- Moving Miracles
- Nathan Carducci Scholarship Fund*
- Niagara Frontier Wrestling Club
- Our Lady of Sacred Heart
- Patrick Morales Scholarship Fund*
- People, Inc.
- Punt Foundation
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute / Neo Natal Care Unit
- Rotary Gift of Life
- Section VI State Wrestling Team
- Section VI Wrestling Club
- St. Francis High School
- St. John Vianney School
- St. Thomas Aquinas School
- Syracuse University
- Takedown Cancer with UB
- Thomas Gardner Memorial Scholarship*
- Timon St. Jude
- Trocaire College
- University of Buffalo
- Van Miller Foundation
- WNY All Academic Basketball Team
- YMCA
Support the Fund
Join a 30-year tradition of community giving
Whether you are an organization seeking support, an individual looking to donate, or a business interested in sponsoring an event, we would love to hear from you.
More from the Scholarship Fund
Explore the full legacy
Sponsors
Meet the businesses and individuals who make the fund’s annual events and scholarship giving possible each year.
Scholarship Awards and Winners
See the WNY student athletes recognized by the fund for excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
Apply for a Scholarship
WNY student athlete wrestlers can apply for the annual Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund award each spring.
