Child Development Research Center

The CH Foundation

The mission of The CH Foundation is to significantly improve human services and cultural and educational opportunities for the residents of the South Plains of Texas.

The Foundation supports initiatives, driven by innovative, energetic leadership that are designed for long-term viability. 

The CH Foundation owes its existence to the incredible generosity of Miss Christine DeVitt, but the story of her accumulated wealth goes back almost 120 years to the Mallet Land and Cattle Co.

Due to Christine's documented procrastination and eccentric ways, most of her contributions during her lifetime were not made until December 31st of each year. Even though she was extremely frugal in her own lifestyle, many friends and distance relatives remember Christine for her personal generosity. Genuinely interested in the development and education of children and young people, she provided funds for the education of numerous individuals, especially the children of her Mallet Ranch associates and others with whom she came in contact. Large contributions to educational institutions demonstrated her interest in education in general. And, large personal contributions in the area of music–both performance and education–show her strong arts interest. As a young woman, she taught music in the Fort Worth public schools, and she also taught private piano lessons. Christine lived to age 98 and died in Lubbock on October 12, 1983.

A more detailed history of the DeVitt family is written in the book: Oil, Taxes, and Cats by David J. Murrah.