From One Life to a Lasting Legacy
Sweet Savanna Hog Wild Inc. exists because of Savanna—a young woman whose kindness, energy, and love for her community inspired everyone around her. This is the story of how her family and friends turned heartbreak into hope.
Savanna's Story
Savanna grew up in Adkins, Texas, surrounded by wide-open spaces, county fairs, and a tight-knit community where everyone knew each other's names. From a young age, she was drawn to animals—especially the livestock projects at local youth shows.
She wasn't just a spectator. Savanna participated in 4-H and FFA programs, showed hogs at the Guadalupe County Youth Livestock & Homemakers Show, and spent countless hours at the fairgrounds cheering on her friends and fellow exhibitors.
What people remember most about Savanna wasn't just her love for animals or her competitive spirit. It was the way she made people feel. She had an infectious laugh, a generous heart, and a gift for bringing people together.
Whether she was organizing a cookout, volunteering at a community event, or simply showing up to support someone she cared about, Savanna had a way of making things feel special. She believed that young people deserved encouragement, and she lived that belief every day.
When Savanna passed away, her absence left a hole in the community. But her family and friends didn't want her memory to fade. They wanted to do something that honored who she was—something that would keep her spirit alive in a tangible, ongoing way.
From Grief to Generosity
In the months after Savanna's passing, her family and close friends gathered to talk about how they could honor her. They knew they didn't want a static memorial. They wanted something dynamic, something that reflected her energy and her values.
Someone mentioned how much Savanna loved the chaos and joy of county fair season—the noise, the animals, the food, the sense of community. The phrase "hog wild" came up, and it just fit. It captured the spirit of Savanna's approach to life: enthusiastic, generous, a little loud, and always welcoming.
Why "Hog Wild" Means More Than You Think
The name isn't just a nod to livestock shows. It represents a philosophy.
- Joy over solemnity. Savanna wouldn't want quiet sadness. She'd want music, laughter, and people coming together.
- Community over formality. Our events are warm and accessible, not stuffy or exclusive.
- Action over words. We don't just talk about supporting youth. We show up and do it.
- Authenticity over perfection. We're volunteers, neighbors, and friends—not a corporate charity.
"When we host an event, we want it to feel like Savanna's in the room—like she organized it herself. That means good food, real conversations, and a focus on the young people we're there to support."
— Founding family member
Building the Nonprofit
What started as a single fundraising dinner grew into an official 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The family worked with community leaders, local business owners, and volunteers who knew Savanna to establish Sweet Savanna Hog Wild Inc.
The mission was clear from day one: raise funds through community events and use that money to support local youth, especially those involved in livestock programs and county shows.
Every board member, every volunteer, and every supporter shares a connection to Savanna or to the values she represented. This isn't a faceless organization. It's a community effort, built on personal relationships and a shared commitment to lifting up the next generation.
What We Stand For
Everything we do is guided by the principles Savanna lived by. These aren't just words on a website—they're the commitments we make to the community and to the young people we serve.
Generosity Without Conditions
We give because it's the right thing to do, not because we expect something in return. When we support a youth project at auction, sponsor an award, or help a family cover costs, we do it with no strings attached.
Encouragement Over Competition
County shows can be competitive, but our focus is on encouragement. Every young person who shows up, works hard, and learns something deserves recognition—whether they win a ribbon or not.
Community Above All
We're not trying to be the biggest nonprofit in Texas. We're focused on Guadalupe County and the surrounding communities where Savanna lived and where her impact was felt. Local matters.
Authenticity and Transparency
We're honest about where our money comes from and where it goes. Our supporters deserve to know that their donations are making a real difference, and we're committed to showing them exactly how.
Follow-Through
Savanna was someone you could count on. If she said she'd be there, she was there. We operate the same way. When we commit to supporting an event, a youth, or a program, we follow through.
This Is Just the Beginning
Savanna's legacy isn't about one person. It's about what happens when a community decides to honor someone by living out their values.
Every event we host, every youth we support, and every connection we make adds to that legacy. And the best part? You can be part of it.
Want to see the impact we're making? Explore our impact on local youth or learn how you can get involved.