TRAVELERS REST, S.C. – Ken Gallagher, vice president of global sales for commercial plumbing and foodservice equipment manufacturer T&S Brass and Bronze Works, has been named Big Brother of the Year by the Upstate South Carolina chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Gallagher, who has been with T&S since 2000, was matched to Little Brother Christian Diaz in 2009.
“Ken is awesome,” says Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate Program Specialist Kristen Walker. “He does everything with Christian—takes him on trips, rides bikes, hikes—and he has literally become a part of Christian’s family. But beyond that, Ken constantly goes above and beyond for our organization. He raised $4000 in two weeks for our bowling fundraiser and is constantly supportive of what we’re doing here.”
Statistics show a tangible impact on the lives of children who are partnered with a mentor such as a Big Brother or Big Sister. 46% are less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 52% are less likely to skip school and 33% are less likely to hit someone.
“Being matched up with Christian has been such a blessing,” says Gallagher, “I think for the both of us. He’s a great soul to spend time with and we have a lot of fun, but we also spend a lot of time talking about the importance of school, good grades and making good choices. Quite often, I talk to Christian about those ‘forks in the road’ we encounter every day and how the decisions we make in life—both good and bad —make such a big difference. Those decisions are so critical to having positive things happen and in having one good thing perpetuate another.”
For more information about T&S Brass, visit www.TSBrass.com.