In 1999, John and Margaret Mullen lost their 13-month-old son, Andrew — named for his uncle, who died trying to save a swimmer in distress. Rather than let grief have the last word, the Mullen family, owners of J. Mullen & Sons Excavating, turned their loss into an annual tradition: the Andrew Mullen Memorial Trout Fishing Derby and Pancake Breakfast, held each spring at the family farm. Proceeds fund a scholarship — which also honors Andrew Duffy — for Saugerties High School students heading into the building trades, including electricians, carpenters, and plumbers. So far, it has helped 33 students pursue that path.
In their note to the club, John and Peggy Mullen and Carolyn wrote: “Your generosity empowers these students and highlights the importance of vocational skills... your contribution is more than financial — it's a vote of confidence in their potential.”
The Kiwanis Club of Saugerties is proud to help a family's tribute to their son keep building futures, one apprentice at a time.
To learn more about the Andrew Mullen Memorial Fishing Derby, read this Mid Hudson News story.
