In the twilight of his years, Leonard Lauder, the 91-year-old cosmetics mogul, has discovered a new calling: giving. Driven by an unwavering belief in the power of philanthropy, he has embarked on a mission to distribute his vast wealth to organizations that uplift lives and preserve cultural treasures. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of a man who, despite reaching his golden years, continues to make a profound impact through the transformative power of giving.
– The Legacy of Giving
The Legacy of Giving
Leonard Lauder’s philanthropic endeavors have extended beyond his business success. Through the Leonard A. Lauder Foundation, he and his wife, Evelyn, have donated extensively to the arts, education, and medical research. Their notable contributions include:
- A record-breaking $1 billion gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to establish the Leonard A. Lauder Research Center for Modern Art.
- $300 million to the University of Pennsylvania to create the Leonard A. Lauder Institute for Management & International Studies.
- $200 million to the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation to accelerate the development of new therapies.
Lauder’s passion for giving stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of philanthropy. He recognizes the importance of supporting organizations that are working to make a positive impact on the world, and he encourages others to follow his example. Through his exceptional generosity, Lauder has left a lasting legacy of giving that will continue to inspire and empower future generations.
– Empowering the Next Generation
At 91, Leonard Lauder could simply rest on his laurels, but the cosmetics executive is far from slowing down. With over 40 years of supporting Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), Lauder has been making a tangible difference to the lives of families with seriously ill children.
Recently, he donated $3 million to the Ronald McDonald House New York – the largest individual donation in the organization’s history. The donation will provide critical support for RMH-NY’s new House in Harlem, which when opened will bring the total number of Ronald McDonald Houses in New York to five.
– Art as a Philanthropic Catalyst
To date, Lauder has donated more than 78 artworks to the Met, with a collective estimated worth of $1 billion. His most recent contribution includes three significant masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Juan Gris—part of his trove of Cubist art, which Lauder began collecting while still in his twenties. “I’ve always been interested in what I call ‘the art of the first time,’” the cosmetics billionaire told the Financial Times.
His approach to collecting and divesting himself of art seems to reflect his business acumen. As Lauder once told The New York Times, “When I sense something is peaking, I want to be on the way out.” Rather than keeping his collection under lock and key, he has opted to let it benefit not only himself but the public at large. As he puts it, “You’re a caretaker of that artwork. When you’re gone, what are you going to do with it? Take it with you?”
– Sustainability and Accessibility
Sustainability and Accessibility
Lauder’s philanthropic efforts emphasize both sustainability and accessibility, ensuring that his gifts continue to make a meaningful impact. His support for organizations like the World Monuments Fund and Central Park Conservancy helps preserve cultural and natural landmarks, while his contributions to educational institutions like the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania and the Whitney Museum of American Art ensure the accessibility of knowledge and art.
Lauder’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility is also evident in his support for organizations that address social and environmental issues. His contributions to the Environmental Defense Fund and the National Resources Defense Council support the protection of our planet, while his donations to organizations like Feeding America and the Food Bank for New York City help alleviate food insecurity.
Insights and Conclusions
Leonard Lauder’s philanthropic journey serves as a timeless echo, reverberating through the corridors of art, health, and education. At 91, his commitment to giving does not wane, but rather gains momentum, leaving an enduring legacy that will forever grace the world he so generously supports. As the curtain falls on this tale of extraordinary generosity, Leonard Lauder’s example whispers a gentle reminder: the act of giving, like art itself, transcends time and space, creating a symphony of impact that continues to inspire and uplift generations to come.