Rescue horse “Hank” raises thousands for Salvation Army during Red Kettle campaign

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – At a time when many Kentucky families are struggling with financial pressures tied to a recent government shutdown and delays in SNAP benefits, one very special fundraiser is stepping up to help — and he’s doing it on four hooves.

“Hank the Horse” is drawing crowds and donations across the region as part of the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign. From Kentucky to several neighboring states, Hank has become a traveling symbol of hope, helping raise money for families in need.

“To date we have met over 75,000 people, we have about 25,000 miles on the trailer going across Kentucky and multiple states, six states now we’ve been in,” said Tammi Jo Regan, Hank’s “mom.” “I like to think that Hank has gone from starvation to salvation, which of course has a play on our work with the Salvation Army today.”

What began as a simple promise to her father in 2018 has turned into a growing charitable mission. Regan says she made a playful promise to her dad — and after his unexpected death just four months later, she committed herself to keeping it.

“It was just a playful promise I made to my dad. My dad died four months later unexpectedly and I made it my mission to fulfill that promise and that’s how Hank became a bell ringer,” Regan said. “It’s a promise built on love, fueled by grief.”

Hank has already raised more than $2,500 this season and surpassed last year’s total. The goal this year is $10,000, and Regan says they’re determined to get there.

“When he’s 18 and we are eight years in service, we’re going for $80,000,” she added.

Regan first rescued Hank after spotting him alone in a muddy pasture, suffering from neglect.

“I saw him standing alone in a muddy pasture and that’s how it all started. His basic needs were unmet, and I could tell he was in pretty bad shape,” she said. “When I found out he was only three years old, I couldn’t believe it. This three-year-old horse had such a rough life.”

Fourteen years later, Hank is thriving — and his “celeb-equine” status has helped raise more than $70,000 for the Salvation Army over the years. This season’s donations are especially critical as more families face urgent needs.

“He knows how to fill a bucket and people really love to rally around Hank and support our causes,” Regan said. “He works hard to help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and make sure kids wake up on Christmas morning with gifts underneath their tree.”

Salvation Army officials say the need is significant again this year. Alex Risen, development manager with the Salvation Army, says the community’s donations directly support families in emergency situations.

“We currently have more than 150 people in need and about 30 children in our shelter right now,” Risen said. “Every dollar put into Hank’s kettle goes directly to helping these families.”

And just in case anyone doubted his commitment, Hank even took a turn ringing the kettle bell himself — a moment that continues to draw smiles and donations wherever he goes.

Whoever donates the most to Hank’s virtual Red Kettle this year will get to join him on the farm in the spring, plus will receive a goody bag full of Hank the Horse items.

If you’d like to donate you can visit salarmy.us/Hank25