Santa Bill Knapp with Josie’s son Jeorge visiting for the first time. {courtesy}
By Agrippina Fadel
Bill Knapp, a cherished figure who has portrayed Santa at Coral Square Mall for over a decade, is notably absent this holiday season.
As he bravely battles throat cancer, families are in search of a new tradition.
Tamarac resident Josie Chenevert, whose eight-year-old son Jeorge has visited Knapp since he was 11 months old, noticed his absence and heard about his predicament from Santa’s elves.
“We always go see Santa on the first week of December when the mall is not too busy yet. My son is on the spectrum, and Bill always took time to talk and read to him.”
Chenevert, an employee at Broward Health in Coral Springs, asked other mothers on Facebook if anyone knew Bill Knapp personally and had his contact information. She connected with him and now keeps in touch to check on his health.
She asked the community to come together and share letters of support, cards, and gifts for Knapp, and on Sunday, the group met at Starbucks on Coral Ridge to collect items to ship to him.
“We had a very nice turnout and hope Santa Bill feels all the love, well wishes, and prayers of healing we are all sending his way. There will be lots of cards and pictures for him to sort through,” she said.
Knapp was born in 1943 in Connecticut and has been a resident of Palm Beach County since 1956. He used to teach history and government in the late 60s and early 70s. However, he was drafted in 1969 and served in the Army for three years. Following his military service, he worked in construction as a layout man, project manager, and superintendent. Currently, he resides in Lake Worth.
He also worked with kids as a statistician for football and basketball high school games for both TV and radio in Palm Beach County and during theater productions. He is still involved in the community theater, mainly at the Lake Worth Playhouse.
Knapp first donned the iconic red hat in 2001, citing “Miracle on 34th Street” as his inspiration for portraying Santa.
“It was a pure joy to see the kids and talk to them,” Knapp said, adding that the support and love outpouring from the community have been overwhelming.
“They have warmed my heart and inspired me to fight my cancer even harder. I want to thank everyone for their support and love. I will survive.”
Josh, Jeorge, and Josie Chenevert with Santa Bill Knapp. {courtesy}
Chenevert said Knapp has a “zest for life,” making him a perfect Santa for many families.
“I don’t think Bill realized what an impact he had on so many kids and parents over the years. He kept the magic and the idea of Santa alive for the children and brought real smiles on their faces every year.”
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