DECEMBER 2023
P1 C NNECTION
Associate Newsletter
What Does SANTA Do the Rest of the Year?
He Works at P1. Associate Spotlight on JACK KOBE Jack still wears his dad's original suit - but only on very special occasions. Belt buckle courtesy of Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary THERE’S SOMETHING INDESCRIBABLE about the way a child’s face lights up when they see Santa Claus – and P1 Construction Project Manager Jack Kobe has experienced that moment hundreds of times. Jack is especially busy this time of year, donning his Santa suit and spreading Christmas cheer to churches, events, community organizations, and more. Playing Santa is a family tradition that started with Jack’s father in Kansas City, KS, where Jack was born and raised. “My dad was Santa for more than 50 years,” Jack said. “My mother made his suit, and I still have that suit.” Even though Jack wears his own suit on his Santa adventures, he still has his dad’s suit, which he saves for special occasions. And the 60-plus-year-old belt buckle that goes with the original suit has its own tale to tell. “The belt buckle I wear was smuggled out of the Leavenworth, KS federal penitentiary,” Jack said. “Father Jack O’Connor was a family friend who ministered to the inmates. He had them make the belt buckle for my dad, and he smuggled it out of the prison in his chalice bag, because no one thought to check a priest.” Jack says his dad never charged money for his time as Santa, and Jack carries on that tradition as well. “We’ve never charged for our time – my dad or me – I just do it for family, friends, charitable
"We never charged for our time. I just do it for family, friends, and those who need it most." -Santa Jack