By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Dick Wallrath of Centerville has written a biography, “The Courage to Change the Things I Can.” — Courtesy photo

May 25, 2006 - On May 9, around 300 guests arrived at the Austin Four Season’s Hotel to celebrate the release of a new biography, “The Courage to Change the Things I Can,” written by Dick Wallrath of Centerville. The guests were also there to give recognition to the fact that Wallrath has donated nearly $20 million to FFA and 4-H scholarships over the years, making him the largest donor in Texas history to the 4-H group.

Greeting the guests were members of area FFA and 4-H clubs. They, along with Texas Governor Rick Perry, Texas FFA Executive Director Aaron Alejandro and Texas 4-H Director Jim Reeves, expressed their appreciation to Wallrath. 

Guests enjoyed dinner, a live auction, a silent auction and entertainment by country music star Tommy Shane Steiner of Austin.

Performer Tommy Shane Steiner of Austin (center) poses with FFA’ers, (from left) Jessica Stegel, Mindy Smith, Megan Reinhardt, (Steiner), Kaley Dzunowski, Kaleigh Burnett. — Staff photo by Taylor

The auctions added more than $46,000 to the FFA and 4-H scholarship funds, along with the proceeds from the evening. Sales from the new book will go toward more scholarships, said Wallrath.

“I just feel we owe it to the kids to try to help with their educations. A scholarship is something that just keeps on giving; It’s a way to get people off poverty and doing something with their lives,” said Wallrath.

The scholarships will be awarded during the Texas 4-H Roundup and FFA Convention in June. It is expected that there will be more than 175 scholarships awarded.

Wallrath is the founder of Champion Window Inc., and is the owner of a 5,200-acre ranch where he has 2,500 head of Brangus Cattle.