As one of the world's most feared corporate raiders of the seventies and eighties, Harold Simmons used his business acumen to accumulate companies from "hostile" takeovers. He now sits atop was a $4 billion empire and a ruthless reputation.
Mr. Simmons along with his "better half", Annette, became acquainted with Oprah Winfrey when they were neighbors in California.
Ms. Winfrey bought the Simmons' estate in Montecito for fifty million dollars. She has featured Mrs. Simmons' tea party on her show as well as the sweet potato festival held in Golden.
Mr. Simmons gave Ms. Winfrey five million to help her build a girls school in South Africa.
Oprah Winfrey has powerful friends and Harold Simmons is showing his "sweet" side by giving to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.