Kelly Harrington

A Bit About Kelly

Kelly Harrington is the Founder and CEO of Lifting Up Vegas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion, dignity, and hope. With a lifelong commitment to helping others, Kelly has spent decades uplifting her community through service, leadership, and advocacy.

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Kelly’s passion for service began at just seven years old when she started volunteering with Mr. Santa Claus Incorporated in Las Vegas, where she participated in community outreach events, visited hospitals and senior homes, and helped bring joy to families across the city. Over the years, her dedication to serving others never stopped. She later became known in the community for volunteering as “Rainbow the Clown,” bringing smiles to children, seniors, and patients in need of encouragement.

As a mother and foster parent, Kelly opened her heart and home to children in need, which led her into the world of fostering and adoption. Through this journey, she gained firsthand experience understanding the challenges faced by children and families, especially those with special needs. Her personal experiences inspired her to advocate more deeply for children and families who need support, stability, and encouragement.

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Kelly serves as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), where she advocates for children in foster care and works to ensure their voices are heard. She is also a dedicated Boy Scout leader, helping guide young people to grow in confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills. In addition, Kelly runs a support group for special needs families, providing a safe and understanding space where families can connect, share resources, and support one another through their journeys.

Kelly’s commitment to service has earned her recognition across the community, including receiving the prestigious Jefferson Award twice for outstanding volunteerism. Her work has taken her to Washington, D.C., where she was honored for her dedication to serving others.

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The creation of Lifting Up Vegas was born from Kelly’s desire to turn compassion into action. What began as small acts of kindness—handing out meals, positive affirmations, and encouragement—has grown into a movement focused on meeting both physical and emotional needs. Through Lifting Up Vegas, Kelly leads outreach efforts that provide food, hygiene kits, encouragement, and hope to individuals experiencing homelessness, always reminding them that their lives matter.

Kelly believes deeply that service is not just about providing help—it is about restoring dignity, building relationships, and reminding people that they are valued. Her mission is simple but powerful: to lift others up, one act of compassion at a time.