He was the driving force behind the incredible Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
"Driving force" would be an understatement, but Mr. Marcus would probably like that description. He and Mrs. Marcus donated $250 Million (of the $290 Million total cost) to build the Georgia Aquarium, and then gave the facility debt-free to an independent foundation as a gift to Atlanta. The Marcus Institute, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Shepherd Spinal Center and many other important institutions receive heavy support from the Marcus family. As someone who has never met the man but whose family has benefited from his softhearted generosity, I consider Bernie Marcus to be a genuine hero.