LUCKY ORPHANS HORSE RESCUE TO RECEIVE TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT IN HONOR OF LOCAL DOCTOR

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue announced today plans to establish the William R. Updegraff, M.D. Memorial Fund which will help to compensate for equine medical care at the non-profit.  The first grant of $10,000.00 has been donated by the Marion E. Cantwell Testamentary Trust.  Deanna Mancuso, the founder of Lucky Orphans, stated, “Our 51 forever rescued horses and the entire team here are so grateful for such generous local support.”  Mancuso plans to have a special plaque made in honor of the endowment.

Dr. Bill Updegraff was a Dutchess County resident and practiced Otolaryngology, which is focused on diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. Retiring after 50 years of service at age 79, Dr. Updegraff was the recipient of numerous awards.  He passed away at age 97 having left a legacy of love for his patients, family, and friends.

An excellent horseman and lover of animals, he grew up riding American Standardbreds.  However, the future doctor’s favorite horse was an old gray mare named Bonnie, who was blind in one eye.  As a teenager, he rode Bonnie to deliver newspapers to his neighbors in Boone, Iowa.  As a father and grandfather, Updegraff shared his strong love of horses with his daughters and later his grandchildren.

The William R. Updegraff, M.D. Memorial Fund for the medical care of the horses at Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue will perpetuate the good doctor’s love and concern for the continuing care of orphaned horses everywhere.  Mancuso plans to have a ceremony to unveil the new plaque in the near future.