Dedication of The Joan and Joel Smilow Research Center

The Man Who Made the Difference

Joel E. Smilow Photo: René Perez

Judging by the applause and the standing ovation, you would think that a celebrity or presidential candidate had entered the room. But the center of attention was actually a mild-mannered businessman by the name of Joel E. Smilow.

"This is a lot of excitement for a retired brassiere salesman," joked Mr. Smilow, the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Playtex Products, at the dedication of the research center named for him and his wife.

At an age when most business executives are still climbing the corporate ladder, Joel E. Smilow had already reached the top rung. He was just 36 when he was hired as President of Playtex, a company he eventually acquired in a leveraged buyout. Today, he is Chairman of Dinex Group, LLC, which owns several prominent restaurants in New York, Palm Beach, and Las Vegas.

Mr. Smilow's remarks were brief but pointed, closing with words of advice for fellow and future philanthropists. "Do it now," he counseled. "Four years ago, I saw this wonderful opportunity," he said, referring to the proposed research center. "I am blessed that I'm here today to see it happen."

Philanthropists, he added, should also direct their gifts toward specific goals or projects where they will "make a difference." At large institutions, he noted, gifts not earmarked sometimes have little direct impact.

Think leverage, Mr. Smilow added. "How do you increase the return on your donation?" he asked rhetorically. He went on to note that his naming gift for the Smilow Research Center triggered other donations, created jobs for construction workers and scientists, stimulated research grants, and set the stage for the ultimate return - breakthrough discoveries.

Mr. Smilow, a Trustee of both New York University and NYU Medical Center, has funded numerous other programs at NYU, including a Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Center that is the largest program of its kind in the region.