Bernie Marcus: Billionaire Philanthropist And Home Depot Co-Founder

Bernie Marcus is a billionaire and one of the co-founders of Home Depot. In fact, he was the home improvement store's first CEO and served as Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2000. Known for his commitment to philanthropy, Marcus has expressed his intention to donate the majority of his fortune to charity while he is still alive. A significant portion of these donations is aimed at supporting President Trump’s re-election campaign in 2020, showcasing his political involvement as well as his philanthropic efforts.

In 2010, Marcus and his wife Billi joined the Giving Pledge, a commitment made by wealthy individuals to give away at least half of their fortunes during their lifetimes. Now at the age of 90, he plans to contribute an impressive 80-90% of his wealth to his Marcus Foundation, which is dedicated to funding medical discoveries, supporting veterans, and assisting children with autism. His vision for philanthropy reflects his belief in making a meaningful impact on society.

Marcus once stated, "I want to live to be 100 because I want to be in a position to give it away to those things that I really believe in. I've got all the houses I need. I live very well. My kids are taken care of. Everything I live for now is finding the right things to put my money into that can give me a rate of return in emotion and doing good things for this world." This quote encapsulates his life philosophy and dedication to altruism.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Philanthropy and Giving Pledge
• Financial Legacy and Donations
• Political Involvement
• Future Giving Plans

Biography

Philanthropy and Giving Pledge

Bernie Marcus is widely recognized for his philanthropic endeavors, having pledged to contribute a substantial portion of his wealth to charitable causes. His involvement with the Giving Pledge aligns with his belief in giving back to the community and supporting various initiatives that improve lives. The Marcus Foundation, which he established, focuses on several key areas, including medical research, autism support, and veteran assistance.

Throughout his life, Marcus has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy, believing that those who have been successful should help others. His donations have positively impacted numerous organizations, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education.

Financial Legacy and Donations

Marcus has an estimated net worth of $5.6 billion and has generously donated over $2 billion to various philanthropic causes. Notably, he contributed $250 million to the establishment of the Georgia Aquarium, a landmark project that has become a significant attraction in Atlanta. Furthermore, he has donated $25 million to Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to advocacy and research for autism.

His philanthropic work extends beyond monetary donations; he has also founded the Marcus Institute, which aims to support children and teenagers with developmental disabilities. Through these initiatives, Marcus has left a lasting legacy that resonates with his commitment to improving the lives of others.

Political Involvement

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Bernie Marcus has been an influential political donor, particularly during President Trump's 2016 campaign. He donated a remarkable $7 million to help Trump secure his presidency, reflecting his strong support for the administration's policies. Marcus plans to continue supporting Trump during the 2020 election, demonstrating his ongoing engagement in the political landscape.

Marcus believes that Trump's leadership has significantly benefited the country, asserting that the U.S. is better off today than it was several years ago. His political contributions illustrate the intersection of his business success and civic engagement.

Future Giving Plans

As Bernie Marcus approaches the later years of his life, the extent of his future donations will largely depend on the success of Home Depot, the company he co-founded. Despite his retirement, he retains a substantial number of shares in the retailer, which continues to perform well in the market.

Ultimately, Marcus remains committed to his vision of giving back, with plans to allocate a significant portion of his wealth to his foundation and various charitable causes. His journey serves as an inspiration for others, emphasizing the importance of philanthropy and social responsibility.