Learn About Our History

The Hippo Foundation

Hippo Foundation was created in 2022 out of a desire to provide resources to the non-profits in Hutto to fund services that the city could not supply by the City of Hutto.

We strive to distribute of funds to nonprofits despite size, to further their missions to impact the greater Hutto community.

mission & vision

The Hippo Foundation empowers local non-profit organizations by providing grants to achieve their goals through charitable fund-raising events. We value collaborative transparency, integrity, and strive to help organizations thrive to support the Hutto Community.

The Hippo Foundation envisions a future in which the people and the city of Hutto, Texas thrives in all areas

board members

Meet the people who get the job done

Mike Synder

Founder / Board Member

A dedicated philanthropist and community member, serves as the founder of the Hippo Foundation. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, Mike brings a determined vision and willingness to help the Hippo Foundation achieve its mission. As a volunteer, Mike leverages his experiences and professional network to ensure the sustainability of the foundation.

Amy Paton

President

As a mompreneur with three adventurous boys, Amy leads the Hippo Foundation, channeling her passion for wildlife, science, and plants. Always eager to support causes and connect with fellow changemakers, she juggles family, philanthropy, and her love for nature, fostering a world where everyone can make a positive impact.

Erin Clancy

Vice-President & Treasurer

A BS in Pre-Law and a finance concentration, boasts a decade-long career in commercial construction. However, her true passion lies in community service. As an ESL volunteer, Big Brother Big Sister participant, and Meals on Wheels contributor, she's dedicated to making a difference. Erin's commitment extends to hosting volleyball tournaments for causes like The Key2Free, SAFE, and Lighter Loads. Presently, she serves as Vice President at The Hippo Foundation and as Secretary for Hutto's Economic Development Corporation. Beyond her philanthropy, Erin enjoys flying planes, traveling, playing volleyball, and exploring trails with her two beloved dogs.

Bill Kohl

Secretary

Serves as the Director of Field Service at the Capitol Area Council, Scouting America, overseeing program growth across 15 Central Texas counties, including Hutto. Since settling in Hutto in 2018, Bill has been involved in numerous community organizations throughout the Austin area. Bill and his wife Becky have a daughter, Evangeline, and two dogs, Yoshi and Sylvie. During his leisure time, Bill enjoys exploring Austin's breweries, hiking, and camping.

Lucinda Allen

Social Media Chair

Lucinda Allen brings 20 years of professional experience in childcare, early education, and family services, paired with a strong background in organization and community engagement. As the new Social Media Chair for the Hippo Foundation, Lucinda is excited to use her creativity and communication skills to share the foundation’s mission, highlight its impact, and foster stronger connections with the community. Outside of her professional work, Lucinda enjoys baking, exploring creative projects, and supporting causes that bring people together.

Ty Edwards

Board Member

Ty is a wife, mother of four adult children, and grandmother of 8. She is a woman of faith who takes her christian walk very serious and firmly believes in treating people the way she wants to be treated. Before moving to the area from Kansas City, Missouri, during Covid in 2020 with her husband, Wesley, she was very active at her church as a minister’s wife, sang on the praise team, taught preschool Sunday school classes, and organized multiple social activities for the congregation, including the annual Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. While working as a federal employee with the Department of Defense, Ty went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from Park University and, in 2007, began her home-based business as a professional organization, helping family live a more organized life. She recently retired from federal service after 38 years in March 2025 in the areas of customer service and administrative support to travel with her husband, spend time with her grandchildren, spoil her little shih tzu, Sophie, and get more involved with her community. Ty is a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, and while she likes the Longhorns, her favorite college team is the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) .

Jane Wrinkle

Diversity Officer

A dedicated professional with a passion for education and diversity. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University, Jane has dedicated her career to making a positive impact on the lives of students. Jane's journey in education spans decades, with a rich background in teaching and counseling. Having served as an educator for numerous years, she has witnessed the transformative power of education firsthand. In her retirement from traditional classroom teaching, Jane has transitioned to a dynamic role as an At-Risk Counselor with K12 Online Schools. Furthermore, Jane serves as the Diversity Officer for the Hippo Foundation.

the Hippo Way

Where our passion for positive change fuels our mission. As an organization deeply committed to creating a better world, we stand as a beacon of hope, serving as a catalyst for transformation in our community and beyond.

01

Impact

In its first year, The Hippo Foundation awarded over $45,000 in grants to local non-profits allowing our beneficiary to touch more lives of individuals and families in Hutto, making a tangible difference to the community.

02

Passionate

Our board is driven by a shared commitment to making the city of Hutto a better place for all. Our board, volunteers, and beneficiaries are dedicated, passionate, and united by a common purpose.

03

Transparent

We take our responsibility to our donors, partners, and the community seriously. Our commitment to transparency and accountability ensures that every resource is used effectively and efficiently.

Meet Our beneficiaries

Our 2025 Beneficiaries

the Hippo Foundation

eMAIL US: TheHippoFoundation@gmail.com

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