The Patronus
Project
"Finding light when the darkness feels overwhelming."
A Patronus is conjured from a powerful, happy memory, summoned to fight the darkness. This foundation carries that same magic: helping children and families find their light during their hardest moments.
About the Foundation
For Aiden.
For Every Child.
Aiden Christopher Dutton was a radiant soul, funny, goofy, and endlessly sweet. Born on September 11, 2012, he grew up in Dripping Springs, Texas, and touched everyone around him with his laughter, his curiosity, and his gift for making people feel seen. He was 12 years old when he passed away on May 12, 2025.
The Patronus Project was born from Arielle's belief that even in the darkest moments, light is possible. Just as a Patronus charm is cast from a happy memory to push back the darkness, this foundation exists to help families find their own light when they need it most.
A portion of the proceeds from Allen Trial Law PLLC's legal work directly funds the Patronus Project, because Aiden's legacy deserves to live on in the lives of children and families who are hurting.
Arielle is also deeply grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of love and support she received from friends and the legal community in the wake of Aiden's passing. People dropped everything they were doing, rescheduled hearings, and flew across the country to be by her side. That support did not just help her survive the unimaginable — it continues to carry her forward every single day. She would not have made it without them.
Our Mission
Helping Families Find Light
in Their Darkest Moments
Through mental health support, grief resources, and acts of kindness, the Patronus Project walks alongside children and families when the weight of loss feels impossible to carry alone. Because no one should face the darkness without someone beside them.
How We Help
Our Programs
Patronus Therapy Grants
Funding access to mental health therapy for children and families who cannot afford it, because healing should never be out of reach.
Expecto Hope Care Packages
Curated care packages delivered to families navigating grief, illness, or crisis, small acts of kindness that say "you are not alone."
Patronus Scholarships
Scholarships for students who have experienced profound loss or hardship, honoring Aiden's love of learning and his boundless curiosity.
Annual "Light Against the Darkness" Gala
A magical evening bringing the community together to raise funds, honor those we've lost, and celebrate the light they left behind.
Annual Fundraiser
The Great Hall Gala
"Light Against the Darkness"
An enchanted evening where guests arrive sorted into houses, the Great Hall glows with candlelight, and every dollar raised goes toward helping families find their Patronus.
Gryffindor
Bravery
Hufflepuff
Kindness
Ravenclaw
Wisdom
Slytherin
Resilience
Evening Activities
- Butterbeer-inspired mocktails
- Wizarding trivia
- Silent auction
- Costume contest
- Candlelit ballroom
The Patronus Wall
The heart of the evening. Donors write the name of someone they love and honor on the Patronus Wall, a living tribute to the memories that give us strength. Because a Patronus is always cast in someone's name.
In Loving Memory
Aiden Christopher Dutton
September 11, 2012 – May 12, 2025
Aiden Christopher Dutton, age 12, of Dripping Springs, Texas, passed away on May 12, 2025. Aiden was a radiant soul, funny, goofy, and endlessly sweet. His laughter could fill a room, his smile could soften any moment, and his love touched everyone around him.
Born on September 11, 2012, Aiden lived a life full of curiosity, creativity, and joy. A student in Dripping Springs, he was known by friends, teachers, and family as someone who could always make others laugh and feel seen. Aiden never met a stranger.
Aiden loved video games, the magical world of Harry Potter, hiking through the Texas hills, practicing bushcraft, and creating art. He found adventure and wonder in the everyday, and he met life with the heart of an explorer and the spirit of a storyteller.
He played tennis every weekend with energy and dedication, and he had a strong appreciation for good food, especially ahi tuna, salmon, hot chips, hot sauce, and eggnog. Christmas was his favorite time of year, a season that matched his giving heart and love of celebration.
Aiden adored his cats, found joy in simple moments, and had an incredible gift for lifting others up. His goal, always, was to make people happy, and he did, every single day.
A celebration of Aiden's life was held on May 29th at 11:00AM, with visitation beginning at 9:00AM at the Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park. The service was Harry Potter-themed in honor of one of his greatest joys. Friends and family were invited to come dressed in their house colors, robes, or anything that reminded them of the magic Aiden brought into their lives.
Aiden's light will never fade. He was, and always will be, deeply loved, endlessly missed, and forever cherished.
Remembering Aiden
A Life Full of Light
Coming Soon
The Patronus Project
Is Just Getting Started
The foundation is currently being established. A portion of every dollar earned through Allen Trial Law PLLC goes directly toward funding the Patronus Project, because Aiden's memory deserves to live on in the lives of children and families who need it most.
Grant applications, scholarship details, care package requests, and gala information will be available here as the foundation launches. Check back soon, the light is coming.