Kent Gallagher, Community Activist and Philanthropist

Hollie Grimaldi Flores talks with Kent Gallagher, a long time Nevada County resident who has quietly given time and funds to many organizations and individuals over many decades.  Kent Gallagher grew up in Bethesda Maryland outside Washington, DC..He was very active in Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. In 1966 he ditched his high school graduation ceremony preferring to take a job "washing pots and pans" at Glacier National Park, deepening his love of nature. He then spent two years at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.  Kent graduated  from the University of Maryland in 1970 in political science and economics. And went to law school at the University of New Mexico.  Prior to graduating in 1973, he spent a summer in Germany working for the Judge Advocate General.  He was a self-employed attorney in San Diego from 1974 to 1987. He discovered Nevada County, his true mountain home and moved here in 1987. He married his wife Mollie in 1990 which actually tied for first place as the “truly the best decision" along with having moved to Nevada County. Kents volunteerism in Nevada County included time with SYRCL, Sierra Club, RQC, political campaigns, Five Rhythms dance, and the poetry community. He also became a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters.. He volunteer tutored in elementary schools for 10 years, and currently volunteers with Bright Futures for Youth..His enjoys hiking, skiing, discovering western parks and the national forests  Kent said, “I deeply feel that community involvement is the answer to having a true Civilization. Being connected and helping others keeps us tethered to ourselves, our souls. So many Americans are depressed, immobilized and feel alienated or alternatively are out chasing the American Dream without true connection to their inner lives or others. I feel that the more folks live in harmony with themselves then the more generous, philanthropic, kind and safe we all are. Then, and only then, can we claim to be a genuine civilization and Make America Great Again.