Christy Ruth Walton (born 1955) is the widow of
John T. Walton, who was a son of
Sam Walton, the founder of
Wal-Mart. After John's death in June 2005, she inherited his fortune of $15.7 billion.
As of 2011, she is the 4th richest person in the United States according to
Forbes Magazine and the 10th richest person in the world, as well as the richest woman in the world. As of March 2011, she had an estimated net worth of
US$ 26.5 billion, the bulk of which comes from her shares in
Wal-Mart, but also from
First Solar, in which her late husband invested. She currently resides in
Jackson, Wyoming and has one son, Lukas.
Philanthropic activity
Facesofphilanthropy.com references
Condé Nast Portfolio magazine as ranking her the highest female
philanthropist, according to the amount she gives as a percentage of her wealth. Between 2002 and 2006, she contributed $3.5 million from her then $16.3 billion net worth towards philanthropic efforts.
Non-profit organizations in which Walton is actively serving include the national association of...
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