Vice president of Kelly’s Angels honored for helping community

Jenny Sparano – the Vice President of Kelly’s Angels – was recognized this past week for her outstanding work on behalf of the community.

Sparano, who lives in Saratoga Springs, received a prestigious Jefferson Award. She was chosen from a distinguished group of volunteers to represent the Capital Region at the National Award Ceremony.

Sparano was in good company as former NBA star Shane Battier and talk show host Leeza Gibbons were among the dozens of people from across the country honored for making their communities better.

Sparano is a powerhouse for Kelly’s Angels, the charity that was started by NewsChannel 13’s Mark Mulholland to provide grants to kids who have lost a parent to cancer.

She conceived “The Up Beat” podcast and a new program this year to provide grants to Ukrainian children who have moved to the Capital Region to escape the war.

In her acceptance speech, she recognized her fellow board members and namesake of the organization, the late Kelly Mulholland, Mark’s wife.

Hear some of what Sparano had to say in her speech by watching the video of Mark Mulholland’s story.