Hank the Horse, Rescue Horse From Kentucky, Rings Bells At Times Square On Giving Tuesday For Salvation Army GNY

This year more than ever, New Yorkers and their families are suffering economic pressure. Thousands are facing severe hunger and struggling to make ends meet to pay for shelter, utilities, and warm clothing – and put toys under the tree for their children. For more than 100 years, The Salvation Army has come to the rescue for millions of families through its iconic Red Kettle drive and this holiday season is no different. In fact, it’s better: 

Hank the Horse smiling at the event. Image Credit – Salvation Army GNY

The Salvation Army Greater NY Division has tapped an unusual volunteer, Hank the Horse, a rescue horse from Kentucky, who has volunteered to help The Salvation Army ring bells at Times Square on Giving Tuesday, where The Salvation Army will once again debut its Giant Red Kettle. Hank, who is Chief Executive Horse and the ambassador of For Hank‘s Sake, a nonprofit dedicated to saving horses from harm, is a beacon of hope for all who are neglected.  

Hank the Horse with his human friend Tammi. Image Credit – Salvation Army GNY

Hank will not only demonstrate how he rings his bell (hint: from his mouth) alongside a feat of engineering: the Giant Red Kettle – but he is bringing the first donation of $5,000 to the Giant Red Kettle. The 7’ 6” aluminum Red Kettle hangs from a 32’ tall and 16’ wide stand, with built-in LED lights that illuminate and sparkle periodically and when donations are made via text: text GiantRedKettle to 41444. 

Hank the Horse ringing the bells. Image Credit – Salvation Army GNY

ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY GREATER NEW YORK DIVISION 

An integral part of the community for 132 years, The Salvation Army Greater New York Division operates more than 100 community and social-service programs, serving more than one million people a year, regardless of race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. Since COVID-19, it has served over six million meals. For more information, visit salvationarmyny.org. 

Toddler at the event ringing the bell. Image Credit – Salvation Army GNY

ABOUT FOR HANK’S SAKE  

For Hank’s Sake is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to harnessing the power and beauty of horses to inspire and encourage children of all ages. It has a steadfast commitment to rescuing neglected and unwanted horses, then providing them with loving care, rehabilitation, and retraining for useful purposes.  

Tammi Regan, Hank the Horse’s mom and human friend (middle/holding check), traveled to New York from Kentucky to celebrate Giving Tuesday with The Salvation Army Greater NY Division at its annual Giant Red Kettle installation in Times Square. Because she and Hank are dedicated to helping The Salvation Army, they also presented a donation of $5,000 to the organization, which will help New Yorkers and their families who are suffering economic pressure, especially during the holiday season. This donation was accepted by Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Greater NY Division Lt. Col. Raphael Jackson (on left) and Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory, Commissioner William Bamford (on right). The Salvation Army has come to the rescue for millions of families through its iconic Red Kettle drive, and this year more than ever, they hope to help those that are facing severe hunger, struggling to make ends meet to pay for shelter, utilities, and warm clothing – and hoping to put toys under the tree for their children.

About Hank the Horse: 

A Kentucky born horse, Hank was abandoned at the tender age of three, and left in a muddy pasture, his basic needs unmet. Tammi, an avid horse enthusiast and animal advocate, saw this emaciated Tennessee Walking Horse standing all alone, fell immediately in love and set about rescuing him.

As Tammi’s very first rescue, Hank the Horse™ became the Brand Ambassador for the nonprofit rescue organization that bears his face and name, For Hank’s Sake. His little splotch of white fur beneath his forelock in the shape of a heart inspired the For Hank’s Sake logo, creating a lifelong brand of love. His story became the first of many, and went on to become the driving force behind Tammi’s mission: to be a safe haven and a voice for abused and neglected horses.

Banner Image: Hank the Horse sticks out his tongue that the Salvation Army event.  Celebrity Bell Ringer Hank the Horse traveled from Kentucky to New York City to help The Salvation Army Greater New York Division kick off its Red Kettle campaign and ring bells on Giving Tuesday at the World’s Largest Red Kettle in Times Square. Along with the World-Class Salvation Army Brass Band, Hank and his handlers, including Tammi Regan, celebrated the official day of giving by presenting the first donation of $5,000 to the Giant Red Kettle. Hank, who is Chief Executive Horse and the ambassador of For Hank’s Sake, a nonprofit dedicated to saving horses from harm, is a beacon of hope for all who are neglected. The Giant Red Kettle is a 7’ 6” aluminum Red Kettle which hangs from a 32’ tall and 16’ wide stand, with built-in LED lights that illuminate and sparkle periodically when donations are made via text: text GiantRedKettle to 41444. Image Credit – Salvation Army GNY

Tom Tauchert

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,000 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.