Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta reposted this
The day I decided to move to Atlanta to work for Arthur Blank, was the day I realized that this city and the philanthropists pouring into its future were unlike anywhere else I had ever been. Arthur’s Atlanta origin story and what he has accomplished is widely known, but that of his Home Depot co-founder, Bernie Marcus, is a little quieter, yet equally impactful. Bernie, like Arthur, became a billionaire from their very successful creation of the Home Depot. Bernie, like Arthur, had the opportunity to decide what to do with that success. And Bernie, like Arthur, made a commitment to use his wealth to do good. In his book, Kicking Up Some Dust, Bernie recalls the day his financial advisor called him to say he had become a billionaire. He turned to his wife, Billi, and said, "We have a choice – we can travel the world and buy anything we want, or we can change the world through philanthropy." Bernie and Billi's decision to change the world did just that. Through their philanthropy, they thoughtfully changed Atlanta through the Aquarium, Grady Hospital, and the Shepherd Center, veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury through Avalon Action Alliance, autism research and education. I may not have always agreed with his views on the world, but philanthropists like Bernie Marcus make me believe in the power of doing good, and I have no doubt he inspired the next generation to make the choice to change the world when given the opportunity. Bernie, Atlanta will forever honor you. Thank you for your life’s work.