Real people: Marlow’s exec gives back through Special Olympics

Tickets: 770-414-9390 or www.specialolympicsga.org

A chance conversation with one of his restaurant patrons has turned into a 15-year service project for John Metz, co-owner and executive chef of Marlow’s Tavern and cofounder of the Sterling Hospitality Group.

Through that conversation, Metz got his first introduction to the Special Olympics, and he was immediately moved to get involved.

“I remember that our regular guest had a special-needs son, and she had volunteered with the Special Olympics,” said Metz. “I thought what they did was really awesome. We started catering for them, then we hosted athlete events and found it was a great way to support our community, and that’s what it’s all about.”

As Metz’s food empire grew to include two Marlow’s in Florida and 10 in the metro area, he also used restaurant openings as a way to raise money for the Special Olympics cause. “We’d always ask for donations during VIP and friends-and-family nights” he said.

But the biggest project Metz undertook was organizing a charity golf tournament. This year’s event, slated for Sept. 23 at the Country Club of Roswell, will mark the 15th year players have teed off for Special Olympics. Last year’s outing netted $49,160, and since it began, the event has raised 425,000. Additional funds come from an awards reception and silent auction held at Metz’s Aqua Blue restaurant in Roswell.

“We donate all our time and food for the banquet at Aqua Blue,” said Metz. “And we get a lot of help. When you’re doing something like this in your spare time, it takes a lot of volunteers.”

Because of Metz’s dedication, Marlow’s was recently named a Special Olympics platinum sponsor, an honor reserved for those who make the strongest financial commitment.

“Marlow’s brings in a significant amount for us during the year,” said Susan Skolnick, director of development and major gifts for Special Olympics Georgia. “It’s very rare that you find something like their tournament that lasts this long. But John has turned it into a way to support us year round. He has such a commitment, and he’s great about letting people know about Special Olympics.”

While the tournament has grown considerably in the last four years, both in terms of money raised and number of participants, the core idea still revolves around having fun while helping a good cause.

“We started it because we like to play golf and thought we could have a good time and tie it into the Special Olympics,” said Metz. “Every year, we pick an event chair from outside our company. And every year, we have regulars to participate. But with 18 holes, and four people playing on each hole, we’re limited to 144 golfers. So our next step is to get two golf courses involved. That’s our aspiration.”

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