But if I Cannot Win, Let me be Brave in the Attempt." |
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Caring, gifted, lovable and hard working are only a few of the words
employees and colleagues use to describe Bill Schack, the general
manager of the Capital Circle Applebee's.
Elizabeth Haines has known Schack for years and has worked with
him at Pyramid Studios and at her Applebee's job. "Bill is just great,"
Haines said. "He's done so much for Pyramid and he's one of the
greatest bosses I've ever had — I love him."
Haines, who has Down syndrome, said she respects Schack because
he looks past her handicaps and sees her for the person that she is.
Schack has contributed his time in many different avenues in the
community, supporting such organizations as Leon County's Special
Olympics, the Workshop for Adult Vocational Enrichment and
Pyramid Studios.
employees and colleagues use to describe Bill Schack, the general
manager of the Capital Circle Applebee's.
Elizabeth Haines has known Schack for years and has worked with
him at Pyramid Studios and at her Applebee's job. "Bill is just great,"
Haines said. "He's done so much for Pyramid and he's one of the
greatest bosses I've ever had — I love him."
Haines, who has Down syndrome, said she respects Schack because
he looks past her handicaps and sees her for the person that she is.
Schack has contributed his time in many different avenues in the
community, supporting such organizations as Leon County's Special
Olympics, the Workshop for Adult Vocational Enrichment and
Pyramid Studios.
Restaurant Neighbor Award winner, an honor to be given Sept. 14 by the National Restaurant Association in
Washington, D.C.
"The relationship between Applebee's, the Special Olympics and myself is important to me," Schack said. "I
would rather be known as Bill Schack from Special Olympics and someone who is helping others in the
community, rather than the general manager of Applebee's."
Schack has hosted about 20 fundraisers for the organizations at his restaurant and has sponsored several
events, catering the refreshments. He also coaches the Leon County Special Olympics golf team.
"After one of the pancake breakfasts, Bill asked me how he could become more involved," said Terry Massa,
the volunteer chair for Leon County Special Olympics and longtime friend. "I asked him if he knew how to
play golf, and he said yes."
Massa said he makes learning golf exciting for the athletes by playing games with them instead of just going
through the drills.
"He has a gift for teaching," Massa said. "Sometimes he'll even get on the ground and ask them to try and get
the ball in his mouth. You can tell the athletes enjoy him."
Schack was given an invitation to attend the national awards ceremony, but decided not to go so that he
could be with his athletes for the state golf tournament.
"I'm going to support my team," Schack said about the tournament occurring the same weekend as the
ceremony. "Leon County is bringing 10 athletes this year, the most we've ever brought. That's what's more
important to me."
Washington, D.C.
"The relationship between Applebee's, the Special Olympics and myself is important to me," Schack said. "I
would rather be known as Bill Schack from Special Olympics and someone who is helping others in the
community, rather than the general manager of Applebee's."
Schack has hosted about 20 fundraisers for the organizations at his restaurant and has sponsored several
events, catering the refreshments. He also coaches the Leon County Special Olympics golf team.
"After one of the pancake breakfasts, Bill asked me how he could become more involved," said Terry Massa,
the volunteer chair for Leon County Special Olympics and longtime friend. "I asked him if he knew how to
play golf, and he said yes."
Massa said he makes learning golf exciting for the athletes by playing games with them instead of just going
through the drills.
"He has a gift for teaching," Massa said. "Sometimes he'll even get on the ground and ask them to try and get
the ball in his mouth. You can tell the athletes enjoy him."
Schack was given an invitation to attend the national awards ceremony, but decided not to go so that he
could be with his athletes for the state golf tournament.
"I'm going to support my team," Schack said about the tournament occurring the same weekend as the
ceremony. "Leon County is bringing 10 athletes this year, the most we've ever brought. That's what's more
important to me."
| Special to the Democrat Bill Schack, center, with Ricky Rudolph and Elizabeth Hanes, two of his employees, who are also Special Olympics and Pyramid Studios. |
| Bill Schack honored for service to community By Elizabeth M. Mack • DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER • August 28, 2009 |