Friends help ailing Santa
The organizers hope to raise at least $2,000 for Santa in about a month.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Some Santa fans have started a fund-raising drive to help get the jolly old elf back on his feet in this small community after he became ill earlier this week.
By all accounts, 60-year-old John Rappach has led a double life in Hubbard for years. Most of the year, he is a mild-mannered, friendly individual blending in with all the other city residents. In December, however, Rappach dons the red suit, white beard and black boots that are the trademark of his alter identity.
Rappach, during the Christmas season, is known to most here as Santa Claus.
Children at Roosevelt Elementary School gathered Wednesday for an annual Christmas function at the school when Rappach, dressed as the jolly old elf, suddenly became ill. Witnesses say Rappach walked through the gymnasium full of pupils to a chair before collapsing forward.
EMT help
Nichole Kovacs, a former Hubbard resident now living in Liberty Township, said her husband, Brian, was at the school to enjoy the program with their son when Rappach collapsed. A trained EMT, Nichole Rappach said, her husband helped cut away the red suit and helped begin emergency medical work on Rappach.
Kovacs said her family's dealings with Rappach go far beyond Wednesday afternoon -- he has visited her home every Christmas Eve for several years dressed as Santa. Brian and Nichole Kovacs have started a benefit fund at Sky Bank called "A New Suit For Santa."
"Our hopes are that the community can help Santa out this holiday season while he is recovering," Kovacs said. "He has been really good to the people of Hubbard and that is why we decided to give back to him in his time of need."
Contributions to the fund can be made at any local Sky Bank.
City resident Gerry Hallapy said Rappach has been playing Father Christmas for local residents for at least seven years. He and his wife, Phyllis, dressed as Mrs. Claus, entertain children at a little house for Santa on West Liberty Street next to the police station. Hallapy is one of the people in charge of upkeep at the house.
"I sometimes think he really believes he is Santa, and the kids believe it too," she said. "He has the real beard, all gray hair that is long, and he is a big man -- not fat -- but a big man."
Fund's goal
Kovacs said she hopes to raise a minimum of $2,000 by the end of January. She said the funds would be used to buy a new red outfit for Santa and to help cover some of the expenses he is likely to incur during his hospital stay.
"We would like to get him a new suit and have enough money to help cover some medical expenses," said Kovacs. "He is likely losing some money by not being able to go out and play Santa."
Kovacs, who has been in close touch with the Rappach family, said Rappach is in good spirits and doing much better. He is recovering at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
Kovacs' son was "devastated" at seeing Santa collapse, she said, so it is important that city kids on Rappach's list to visit be reassured that Santa is fine. City and school leaders, including Mayor Arthur Magee, are reassuring kids that everything is in good order and Santa will be able to complete his mission as planned tonight.
School officials, at the time of the incident, brought in a crisis management team to talk to kids who witnessed Santa collapse. A letter was also sent home to parents.
jgoodwin@vindy.com