Helping Paws Establishes Fund In Memory of The Hortmans
(Eden Prairie, MN) – Helping Paws, a Minnesota-based organization that trains and places assistance dogs with people with physical disabilities, and veterans and first responders with PTSD, announces the establishment of a fund to honor the lives and legacy of Representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their beloved dog Gilbert.
The Hortman Heroes Fund - In Honor of Melissa, Mark, and Gilbert Hortman will support Helping Paws programs that place highly skilled service dogs with individuals who have sacrificed for their communities and country. The fund specifically focuses on programs serving veterans and first responders coping with PTSD.
The fund was created from the outpouring of support and thousands of donations that Helping Paws received in the weeks following the senseless and tragic deaths of the Hortmans and their dog Gilbert, a former Helping Paws service dog in training.
“This was a profound loss for the entire Helping Paws community, as we mourn the passing of two dedicated volunteers and a beloved dog who trained in our program,” says Helping Paws Executive Director Alyssa Golob. “Melissa served her community in more ways than one, and the Hortmans’ commitment to our mission and helping others was unwavering. They raised and trained a working service dog that continues to this day to support a veteran. They also helped raise and train Gilbert, who completed our training program, but was eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family.”
Helping Paws is committed to honoring Gilbert and the Hortmans in a way that reflects their advocacy, love and impact on the community.
“Our parents deeply treasured their relationship with Helping Paws, and we are so honored to preserve their legacy through The Hortman Heroes Fund,“ says Mark and Melissa Hortman’s children, Sophie and Colin Hortman. “We want to extend our gratitude to all those who were moved by their story and contributed to Helping Paws. Our family is committed to the work that Helping Paws is doing, and we look forward to the positive impact that this fund will have in providing healing and support for veterans and first responders.”
For more information or questions, please contact Alyssa Golob, Executive Director at agolob@helpingpaws.org.
