October 29, 2009

12-Year Philanthropic Partnership Leads to Tough-Love Advice Book

Bronfman/Solomon

“Jeffrey R. Solomon (left) and Charles R. Bronfman (right) write: “If you can’t measure the impact of your gift, you should not make it.”

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“Jeffrey R. Solomon (left) and Charles R. Bronfman (right) write: “If you can’t measure the impact of your gift, you should not make it.”

By Ian Wilhelm

When Charles R. Bronfman met Jeffrey R. Solomon, the two men didn't hit it off immediately

Mr. Bronfman, who was searching for a person to lead his foundations, found Mr. Solomon an imposing figure with a "Beefeater's beard." "I thought he was too elegant and serious," says the 78-year-old billionaire.

But he eventually warmed to Mr. Solomon's charms and offered him the job.

It was a fateful decision; it led to a 12-year partnership overseeing the $75-million Andrea