Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization

Originally founded in the late 1970s as the Chicago Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, members of CIACO have been fixtures in the Chicagoland charitable community for over 25 years. The members agreed to leave that group in 1998 and form their own organization, singularly devoted to helping people in need. And CIACO was born.

Annually, CIACO gives thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving entry-level college students regardless of race, gender, religious affiliation or national origin. This follows and continues a tradition in which approximately $300,000 has been awarded to deserving students, including special awards for students with physical challenges.

As summer peaks, we hold our first major fundraiser, CIACO’s Festa Della Famiglia e Amici. CIACO has altered this from our formal “Hope and Honor’ event to an informal picnic format to award scholarships to deserving students and wounded military heroes. Funds are raised through the sale of event tickets and sponsorships. Revenue from this event contributes to our operating fund and is used solely to further CIACO’s charitable endeavors throughout the year.

At CIACO’s Annual Golf Outing, over 150 golfers and guests enjoy a day of golf, dinner and good spirits. Monies from hole sponsors and donations from this event account for our operating funds, which are used to further CIACO’s charitable endeavors.

Since 1996, the members, families and friends have annually assembled and distributed Baskets of Love to needy families in the Chicagoland area. This year, more than 800 Baskets of Love will be distributed. 

Over 800 children annually receive Christmas presents as a result of CIACO’s Christmas program. Donations are solicited and new toys are distributed to needy families, churches and orphanages.

During other times of the year, CIACO donates time and money to a number of charitable causes that are brought to the attention of its members. The money used to help so many people is derived from dues, donations and fundraisers. Administrative expenses are kept to a minimum and are offset by these contributions.