our story
ABOUT BRANDON
- The Brandon Eugene Church Legacy Foundation was established in Brandon's memory to continue his desire to be of service to those in his community.
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.
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 being of service to others and Fatherhood only amplified that.
Photo (left to right): Ken Church, McKenzie Church and Brandon Church
meet the board of directors
KEN E. CHURCH
TRUSTEE
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.
BLAKE HARRIS
PRESIDENT
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.
MICHAEL EDWARDS
VICE PRESIDENT
Michael graduated from N.C. State and began working for a Managed Solutions company, where he’s now worked for 20+ years. Michael first met Brandon in kindergarten when Brandon’s mother (Rita) was Michael’s teacher. They became instant friends and were always together from that point on. Some of Michael’s favorite memories with Brandon include being very active in student council through middle school and high school, attending basketball camps every summer at a different college campus, and spending their weekends together in high school touring around Western NC with The Mountain Boys. Michael is honored to be a member of the Board of Directors for BECLF and looks forward to continuing to positively impact the community they grew up in.
marc church
TREASURER
Marc is a graduate of South Caldwell High School and Wingate University. He has been married to Kelly for 19 years and has 3 children: Lydia 17, Eli 14, and Colton 11. As a native of Granite Falls he has a passion for impacting his community by serving in multiple leadership roles through youth sports, church, and the Granite Falls Town Council.
Marc met Brandon as a toddler attending the same day care! Some of his fondest memories of Brandon were playing football together for the Spartans and hunting and fishing on “Church’s Mountain”. Marc is honored to help continue the legacy of Brandon’s spirit of giving and community outreach.
FALON VEIT, CMM, MBA
SECRETARY
Falon Veit, 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.
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.
PAT NORMAN
BOARD MEMBER
Shea craig bolick
BOARD MEMBER
Shea Craig Bolick is a high school Spanish educator. She has taught in the Caldwell County School district for 25 years and currently teaches at South Caldwell High School where Brandon attended school. Shea graduated from UNC- Chapel Hill in 2000 and recently was a 2023 North Carolina State Teacher of the Year Finalist. She is also the founder of Soul Good Ministries in Caldwell County. Shea grew up making many memories with the Church Family. Her favorite memories of Brandon include riding home from school in the afternoons, attending District Student Council events, receiving his big hugs, traveling on family trips, listening to him sing with The Mountain Boys, and witnessing his love of life, family, and friends.