For Michele and Sarah, clinical leaders at Symphony Applewood, football is more than just a weekend pastime—it’s a cherished tradition.
Healthy banter about Friday night highlights is a regular occurrence. Yet, these discussions often circle back to someone special: Bunky, a beloved resident at Symphony Applewood who has made it his home.
“Bunky is a legend,” Sarah says with a smile. “Even though he was retired by the time I was in high school, everyone in Flat Rock knows him. His name is synonymous with our town’s football legacy.”
Bunky, once the Recreation Coordinator and long-time football coach for Flat Rock, holds a special place in the community’s heart. His presence at the annual football rivalry between Flat Rock and Airport is more than symbolic—it’s a testament to the deep roots he’s planted over the years.
This year, the Symphony Applewood team was determined to make the night even more memorable for him.
“My husband, Clif, is the Offensive Coordinator for Airport High School,” Heidi, Administrator at Symphony Applewood, explains. “Given Bunky’s history as a former Flat Rock coach, we knew this game would be special. So, we worked to ensure Bunky had sideline seats with his old team.”
On game night, Bunky proudly wore a Flat Rock sweatshirt donated by the Symphony Dream Maker Team. His face lit up as fans, players, and coaches greeted him warmly. It was clear that his legacy still resonated deeply within the community.
As the night unfolded, it became a celebration of both a present rivalry and a past filled with treasured memories.
In a heartfelt thank-you note to Heidi, Bunky reflected on the evening: “The highlight for me was after the game when the cheerleaders smiled at me, and the football team came over to fist-bump me and wish me well. It brought back so many memories. I even ran into someone I worked with back in 1977.”
For Bunky, it wasn’t just a football game—it was a chance to relive his glory days, surrounded by the community that still holds him dear. For the Symphony Applewood team, it was an opportunity to honor a man who has meant so much to so many.
Special thanks go to Chris Lukosavich, Principal of Airport High School, for granting permission to make this night possible; Derek Anderson, Head Football Coach of Airport, for arranging the amazing sideline seats; Andrew Brodie, Superintendent of Flat Rock, who used to work with Bunky, for his hospitality and delightful conversation throughout the game; and Flat Rock Head Coach Brandon “Buck” and his athletes for treating Bunky as a celebrity.
Thanks also to Clif Whitehouse, the staff at Symphony Applewood, and to the athletes, cheerleaders, spectators—everyone who helped make this night so special for Bunky.
In the end, the final score didn’t matter. With the way Bunky was treated, everyone was a winner!
Symphony’s Dream Maker program is at the heart of who we are as a company. It allows us the privilege to learn about the wishes and dreams of our guests and to do whatever we can to transform that hope into a reality. A Dream Maker request can be something daring, a simple pleasure, an untold wish, or even reliving a fond memory. If it will enrich the life of a guest, we want to hear about it!
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