A generous lead gift means the Georgia Aquarium need not rely too heavily on fundraising

By Abny Santicola

Its ability to do these things has a lot to do with a $250 million gift from Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot, to build and support the aquarium. Because of Marcus’ gift, the organization will never need to rely on fundraising to sustain its operating budget, according to Kristie Cobb, director of membership and annual programs for the aquarium.