An article by the Austin American-Statesman revealed that Richard Wallrath, a well-known Texas philanthropist, is selling his famed Champion Ranch to the benefit of charities. However, there’s a unique backstory to this benevolence, a tale you might not have heard.
Six years ago, in 2012, Wallrath became very ill. At that time, his children took over Champion Ranch. Wallrath recovered, took his children to court, and won full ownership and control of the property. He then promptly disinherited his children. He has stated that the pending sale of the ranch will benefit FFA and 4-H charities, two organizations which he holds dear, based on their rural values. On prior occasions, they have benefitted from his benevolence, receiving donations amounting to millions of dollars.
Photo: Facebook/Seguin FFA
Now 88 years-young, Wallrath, who made his fortune through Champion Windows (a national brand), stated that his life wasn’t always a huge success. It took a lot of personal growth to get to where he is now. He addressed a 2013 graduating class, saying that he was “raised in a ‘tough home’ in Central Texas with an alcoholic father.” He explained, “I grew up just like him, and my own alcoholism and violent temper cost me everything. Family. Job. Hope. Until faith in God, the kindness of someone who took a chance on me, and hard work, finally broke the cycle.”
Photo: Facebook/Bernard Uechtritz’ Icon Global
He made the changes he spoke of, regaining his family (which included the offspring he engaged in court proceedings back in 2013), and selling Champion Windows for more than $60 million, of which he immediately donated a third. He established the Richard Wallrath Education Foundation – funding over $6 million in scholarships to date – as well as making gifts to both 4-H and the FFA. Champion Ranch, which is now up for sale, encompasses 5K acres close to Centerville and includes mineral ownership, over 1K prized Brangus cattle and horses, a peach orchard, over 20 lakes, and 36 oil and gas wells. The sale will also include rights and royalties to a movie that was previously made on Wallrath’s life as well as a sequel which is in the works. Icon Global Group will be handling the sale on behalf of Wallrath, which is comprised of all of the above, plus his home on a private lake, eight guest/ranch houses, a bunkhouse, a number of outbuilding/barns, and (this is just as amazing as all the rest) a “saloon” for private and corporate events. The asking price for Champion Ranch has not been divulged, but interested parties can obtain it via pre-qualified request.
