Forbes Honors Visionaries Bernie and Billi Marcus
Bernie and Billi recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award for their enduring commitment and generosity with over $2.7 billion given to philanthropic causes.
At the prestigious Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy, Forbes CEO Mike Federle presented the Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy to renowned philanthropists Bernie Marcus, Chairman of The Marcus Foundation and retired co-founder, chairman, and CEO of The Home Depot, and Billi Marcus, a member of the Board of Directors of The Marcus Foundation.
The Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy recognizes individuals or couples whose substantial and impactful charitable contributions have made a lasting difference over many years. Past recipients include notable figures such as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and David Rockefeller.
This year, the Marcus couple was honored for their extraordinary commitment to philanthropy, having donated more than $2.7 billion to date throughout their lives. They were among the inaugural signatories of the Giving Pledge, promising to allocate 80-90 percent of their wealth to charitable endeavors. Their philanthropic efforts have positioned them among the top 20 donors in the United States.
Founded by Bernie and Billi, The Marcus Foundation has made significant impact in core priorities including medical research and healthcare; Jewish causes; free enterprise, including veteran initiatives and national security; the health and welfare of children, with an emphasis on civics education; and targeted community support. Their work and dedication continues to save and change lives through entrepreneurial philanthropy.
“On behalf of Forbes, it is my distinct honor to recognize Bernie and Billi Marcus for their remarkable contributions at the 12th-annual Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy, a gathering that unites the world’s most influential philanthropic leaders,” said Federle. The event, held in New York, serves as a platform for high-net-worth individuals to engage in discussions focused on sustainable philanthropic models.
Accepting the award on behalf of his parents was Fred Marcus, who expressed pride in their legacy of giving and their unique approach to philanthropy.
The Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy emphasizes non-partisan dialogue to foster collaboration and systemic solutions for societal challenges. Attendance is capped at 100, ensuring meaningful engagement among participants.
The acceptance of the Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy not only honors Bernie’s career as one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs but also the couple’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives through innovative problem solving and targeted philanthropy.
For more information about the event and the Marcus Foundation’s initiatives, please visit forbes.com and marcusfoundation.org.
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