The Brandon Eugene Church Legacy Foundation
The Brandon Eugene Church Legacy Foundation
From the playground at Granite Falls Elementary to the South Caldwell Spartans’ football team, Brandon Church loved being a part of the Western North Carolina community. He believed it shaped him into the outstanding dad, brother, son, chef and songwriter that he was.
Brandon always wanted to give back to the community; to help provide opportunities and memories like he had growing up. Unfortunately, we lost “Big B” in 2018, but his desire to make a difference still endures to this day.
That’s why Brandon’s family established The Brandon Eugene Church Legacy Foundation. The 501(c)(3) organization works to honor Brandon’s memory – and to continue his dedication and devotion to the community – through philanthropic and charitable endeavors.
The Brandon Eugene Church Legacy Foundation is dedicated to the long-term growth and success of Caldwell and surrounding counties. From sponsoring events to raising funds, the Foundation’s mission is to give back to the community in the way Brandon would have wanted.
Brandon Church was a jack of all trades. He was an award-winning songwriter, an accomplished chef and a proud student athlete at South Caldwell High School. In honor of his memory, the Brandon Eugene Church Legacy Foundation awards scholarships to students in pursuit of the creative and culinary arts.
Blake has spent his life along I-40 between Asheville and Chapel Hill, growing up in Granite Falls, NC. Professionally, Blake has been with Cintas Corporation for 21 years and is the Director of National Accounts for Cintas Fire. Blake and Brandon, affectionately known as “Big B” go back to 5th grade and were very close friends growing up. Our friend group’s families became very close over the years, taking vacations and spending holidays together. I’m honored to be a part of continuing the legacy of Brandon’s life and helping enrich the lives of others, as Brandon did so well.
Blake has spent his life along I-40 between Asheville and Chapel Hill, growing up in Granite Falls, NC. Professionally, Blake has been with Cintas Corporation for 21 years and is the Director of National Accounts for Cintas Fire. Blake and Brandon, affectionately known as “Big B” go back to 5th grade and were very close friends growing up. Our friend group’s families became very close over the years, taking vacations and spending holidays together. I’m honored to be a part of continuing the legacy of Brandon’s life and helping enrich the lives of others, as Brandon did so well.
Falon Veit Scott, CMM, MBA, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EES Agency, a global meeting management and special event production company, has been spearheading live experiences for over 25 years. Mastering the music industry, non-profit and corporate sectors both domestically and internationally, Scott has been recognized as a Most Admired CEO, Woman of Influence and listed on the Forbes Next 1000. She earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Public Relations at Appalachian State University and her Masters of Business Administration at Vanderbilt University.
As Secretary of the Brandon Eugene Church Legacy Foundation, Falon is honored to work beside lifelong friends to remember Brandon and his many gifts. Falon’s favorite memories of Brandon revolve around visiting Nashville while in college, attending music industry events together, writing songs and singing together in various living rooms and bars, shooting guns, camping and always having a best friend she could call, no matter the reason, no matter the time.
It’s an honor to serve with others on the BECLF (Brandon E. Church Legacy Foundation) as we continue to show Brandon’s love and compassion for others. Our world needs examples of those that truly show compassion and empathy for others and Brandon was the epitome of that gesture. As we continue to share his legacy, we will work hard to impact our friends and neighbors in the spirit that Brandon exuded. I’m thankful that my son had a heart for others and shared it with so many. Help us share that type of love and compassion with as many people as possible.
Patrick (Pat) Norman currently serves as the Chief Engineer for the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, a business unit within the North Carolina Department of Transportation. All total, Pat has worked in the transportation industry for over 24 years. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 2000 and is a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina. Pat was introduced to the Church family at an early age and throughout their childhood and into their adult years, Brandon was like a little brother. To this day, some of his most fond memories include watching Brandon play sports, camping and fishing together at Elk Creek, hearing him sing, and eventually enjoying his amazing culinary skills.
Brandon Church was born on Aug. 17, 1981, in Catawba County, North Carolina. As a child of the ’80s, Brandon and his friends at Granite Falls Elementary formed tight bonds over their love of Transformers, Voltron and Tar Heels basketball. This tight group, who would eventually become known as the “BAM BAM Group,” remained close all the way up until Brandon’s untimely passing.
Brandon served as Student Body President at South Caldwell High School and was also co-captain of the Spartans football team. Playing football in high school was one of his greatest loves in life. He enjoyed the game, but it was the camaraderie and fellowship that spoke to him most. He also played football his freshman year at Appalachian State University.
After graduating from college, Brandon became successful in several different fields. He turned his love of cooking into an accomplished career as a chef. His passion for music and songwriting also led to success. In 2007, Brandon won an ASCAP awarded for writing “How ‘Bout You,” one of ASCAP’s most performed songs of the year.
But the role Brandon loved most was being a father. His daughter, McKenzie, was the light of his life. Brandon was always good at connecting with people and loved being of service, and fatherhood only amplified that.
Photo (left to right): Ken Church, McKenzie Church and Brandon Church
The Brandon Eugene Church Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. All charitable contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. Our Tax ID Number is 86-3322402.
Your donations help us support, uplift and encourage the proud citizens of Caldwell and surrounding counties within North Carolina through educational grants and scholarships, community projects and sponsorships.