The Legacy of Zubaz Santa
Published on January 30, 2025
On Friday, December 20, Zubaz Santa (i.e., JWB) visited Merrick along with two of his reindeer and elves. Throughout the morning, clients came out in small groups to take pictures with Zubaz Santa in his sleigh and enjoy holiday treats, creating a festive experience for all involved.
It was by no means the first time that JWB had put on the red suit and Zubaz pants, assuming the persona of Zubaz Santa. At Merrick, it has become a running tradition during his tenure that many look forward to. Typically, he only dons the suit and pants for a few hours, while passing out gifts to employees before the holiday break. However, knowing that this would be his last holiday season as Executive Director, JWB wanted to honor the legacy of Zubaz Santa by going “big”, both for himself and the clients that have brought him so much joy over the years. After all, JWB and Santa go way back.
When asked how he got into the disability services field, he often shares the following story that shows just how far back he and Santa go.
‘In 1978, I was a student at St. Cloud State University and drove a school bus. My good friend, John Selvog, also drove a school bus. His riders were all elementary kids with disabilities. It was his idea to have the Dayton’s store loan us their Santa suit for me to wear and donate some presents and candy, so we could visit the homes of each of the kids on his bus route. Surprisingly, they did. So, one evening, me, as Santa, and John, as an elf, went to each of the kids’ homes. At each house, the mom was crying, the dad was beaming, and the kid with a disability and any sibling were overjoyed. At some point in the evening, I thought to myself, “Hey, I think I could work with people who have disabilities.” Less than two years later, I began my professional career in the disability field.’
Thank you, Zubaz Santa, for every smile, every laugh, every tear of joy that you have brought to those in your care. We will miss you!