Big Brothers make a big impact

Dave Von Glahn has a new LittleBrother. Matched last January with 10-year-old Zach Rambo through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Pikes Peak, the 41 year-old is having the time of his life. More importantly, he’s a hero.

Last winter, the two went snowboarding at Monarch Mountain nearly every weekend. “Every time we go we have such a blast,” said Von Glahn, who hadn’t been on a snowboard in six years. “We have a great time, talking in the car on the drive up, and talking about our day on the way back.”

Zach’s mother, Kim Vasquez, said all that guy talk is just what her son needs. A single parent, Vasquez contacted Big Brothers/Big Sisters in hopes of finding a male role model; somebody Zach could be around and be real with.

“Zach picked up snowboarding like nothing,” she said. “Dave nudged him just enough, helping him acquire a level of competence that really improved his self-esteem.”

“I look forward to my time with Zach,” said Von Glahn, an insurance manager for Wells Fargo. “It’s rewarding for me and rewarding for him.”

Vasquez credits Big Brothers/Big Sisters program specialist Aaron Green for putting the pair together. “Dave’s awesome,” she said. “We wouldn’t know what to do without him. He and Zach have the same sense of humor and interests, like two peas in a pod.”

Meeting for the first time at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office in Colorado Springs, both parties had a chance to say “yea or nay” to the deal. “I thought it would be fun,” said Von Glahn, who admits that being a Big Brother has given him an excuse for doing things he wouldn’t normally do by himself, like hurtling down water slides and watching 3-D movies.

At first Von Glahn didn’t know what age “Little” he wanted, but when Green called him about Zach, who likes to skateboard, the pieces started coming together. A skater himself, Von Glahn thinks their shared interest may have sparked the match.

Having a guy to talk to has made a big difference for Zach, said Vasquez. “There are some things he shares with me because I’m his mom. With other things, he talks to Dave. It’s a tremendous help to have a grown-up guy to teach him right from wrong.”

Besides marrying Liz, his wife of 11 years, Von Glahn said becoming a Big Brother was one of the best decisions of his life. In real estate, Liz often puts in weekend hours.

That’s when he tries to spend time with Zach.

“Without Liz’s cooperation we wouldn’t be able to do this,” said Vasquez, thankful for Liz’s willingness to share her husband.

Operating out of offices in Denver and Colorado Springs, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is the largest mentoring organization in the state. Founded in New York City in 1904, Big Brothers/Big Sisters came to Colorado in 1918 with Claude Blake, chief probation officer in Denver, who watched wartime conditions cause an increase in lawlessness among boys in his community.

Recognizing that these boys needed guidance more than critics, Blake established Big Brothers of Denver. Hanging out three or four hours a week this summer, “the brothers” went on hikes, drove go-carts, and hit the water slide at Heritage Park. Von Glahn said he “keeps expenses down” by packing his own snacks, but according to Vasquez, he picks up the tab “90 percent of the time.”

The relationship has also increased Zach’s confidence at school. A fifth grader at Stratton Elementary, he said that without a Big Brother he’d probably be playing more video games and less physically active. “I wouldn’t be doing as many fun things,” he said.

A believer in long term relationships, Von Glahn expects to have Zach as “a friend for life.” He wants to take him up Mt. Quandary, a “14er,” in a year or two; and he plans to be there when Zach learns to drive.

The bond between Von Glahn and her son has given Vasquez faith in humanity; “Something I haven’t had a whole lot of in the past,” she said. Talking about the day she got to see Zach snowboard, she still gets choked up. “I didn’t recognize him,” she said, overwhelmed with pride.

Zach has been asking Von Glahn when it’s going to snow, and for good reason. It’s exciting being up on a mountain. It’s even more exciting being there with a Big Brother.

LEARN MORE

Big Brothers/Big Sisters-Pikes Peak is currently seeking volunteers, especially men. Applicants must be at least 20 years old and able to make a one-year commitment. To learn more visit www.bebigpikespeak.org.
There are three ways to refer a child to BBBS: call 719-633-2443; submit an online referral form at www.bbbscolo.org; or print the PDF form and mail to BBBS-Pikes Peak, 111 South Tejon, Ste. 302, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.