Sidney Kimmel understands the “You can’t take it with you” philosophy better than most.  He made his money late in life, after many years in the women’s apparel business, creating the Jones New York clothing line.

“Someone once told me, don’t give like it’s a pinch, give ‘till it hurts.” “Extend yourself and give to other people and to good causes.”

This self-made billionaire is now a part of “The Giving Pledge,” a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.

A child of The Great Depression, Sidney remembers the struggles his parents endured providing for the family.  “My sole motive in life was to earn a living.” “I wanted to be able to help my family.”

That was just the beginning.  Sidney Kimmel’s philanthropy has touched us all. 

His giving has reached deep into communities to support the Arts and Education, but above all, his efforts in the world of cancer research have changed the face of the disease.

He led the charge at The March on Washington nearly 20 years ago that resulted in a doubling of the National Cancer Institute’s budget.  He is the quiet giant behind “Stand-Up to Cancer”, raising millions of dollars annually to fund cancer researchers who are making a difference in cancer care and treatment.

The Kimmel Scholars Program supports young investigators with distinctive, new ideas on cancer research.  The Scholars program is the heart of the Kimmel Foundation.

“Sidney Kimmel is one of the great philanthropists of our age,” says William G. Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., and director of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.  “His impact on the field of cancer research is unparalleled and without equal.”

Sherry Lansing, co-founder of Stand-Up to Cancer says, “Sidney is an inspiration to anybody who is engaged in philanthropy.  He’s the gold standard we aspire to.”