PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 12, 2026
Contact: Don Lehman, Kelly’s Angels board member
Phone: (518) 796-4714
Email: kellysangelsinc@gmail.com
Kelly’s Angels Launches “Hugs for Horses and Healing” Program
After Saratoga Harness Track Barn Fire
WILTON, NY— Kelly’s Angels, the Capital Region charity devoted to helping local children and families who are facing loss and grief, has announced the launch of the “Hugs for Horses and Healing” grant program. This new charity effort was developed in response to the devastating barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track last month that killed 17 horses and affected members of the local racing community.
“For those in the racing community, horses are much more than competitors—they are companions and members of the family,” said Mark Mulholland, president and founder of Kelly’s Angels. “The loss experienced by owners, trainers, drivers, grooms, caretakers, and stable staff is profound. Through Hugs for Horses and Healing, we hope to offer comfort, support, and a reminder that our community stands together during difficult times.”
The June 16ᵗʰ fire destroyed a backstretch barn at the Saratoga harness facility. No human lives were lost, but the incident left a deep emotional impact on horsepersons throughout the region. Kelly’s Angels will provide grants to those directly affected by the loss of a horse in the fire to be used for rest, relaxation, self-care, and meaningful experiences that offer comfort and renewal.
Applicants will be asked to describe:
● Their connection to the horse(s) lost
● The emotional impact of the loss
● Any resulting financial challenges
● How a grant would support their healing and recovery
Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2026 reviewed confidentially, and grants will be awarded based on need and available funding.
“The Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association has long supported Kelly’s Angels, making this initiative an opportunity for us to give back to a community that has given so much to others facing grief and adversity,” added Mulholland.
To apply for a Hugs for Horses and Healing grant, please visit KellysAngelsInc.org.
About Kelly’s Angels, Inc.
Kelly’s Angels is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports children in New York’s Capital Region whose lives have been forever changed by the loss of a parent or sibling to cancer or other illness, and families who are battling a life-threatening condition. Kelly’s Angels was founded in 2010 by WNYT-TV/NewsChannel13 anchor Mark Mulholland in memory of his late wife, Kelly, who lost her battle with cancer in 2007 at the age of 37. The organization helps local families by providing:
● Fun Grants: For whatever a child desires to help them make memories and smile again (eg, tickets to a sporting event, water park or a Broadway show)
● Angel Aid: Small, one-time grants to support families struggling financially due to the loss of a spouse or from significant healthcare expenses incurred in their life-threatening health battle
● Angel Hugs: Small grants to help a parent provide self-care so they can be at their bestfor their family, and to let them know they’re not alone
● Scholarships: For college-bound seniors at Capital Region high schools who have persevered through adversity
● Hugs for Ukraine: Helping those who emigrated from Ukraine fleeing their war-torn nation
● Hugs for Horses and Healing: A limited-time grant program dedicated to supporting horsepersons affected by the tragic June 16, 2026 barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track
Kelly’s Angels also is the creator of The Up Beat, a podcast featuring the stories of people who have persevered through adversity. The Up Beat is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more at KellysAngelsInc.org.
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