Giving
The Marcus Foundation Makes $10 Million Grant
The Marcus Foundation Makes $10 Million Grant to The Weber School for a State-Of-The-Art Athletic Complex
Atlanta high school nears its goal of $44 million that will also fund a new Music and Performing Arts Center and campus expansions, as well as support professional excellence and Israel and global education.
(Atlanta, GA) – The Weber School announced that it is receiving a $10 million grant from The Marcus Foundation to support the construction of a state-of-the-art Athletic Complex on its campus. On the recommendation of The Marcus Foundation, the complex will be named for Eitan Force, a beloved member of The Weber School Class of 2023 who passed away last fall.
The new athletic complex, opening in the fall of 2024, will feature a competition gymnasium with a full-size basketball and volleyball court with seating for up to 600 spectators, two full-size practice gym spaces, three locker rooms, classrooms, faculty offices, and enhanced “wellness center” to include fitness, conditioning, and weightlifting areas. When used for larger, community events, the gymnasium will seat up to 1,100 visitors. Outdoors, a new six lane track will complement newly installed eco-friendly lighting for baseball, soccer, and flag football fields. The layout of this complex will enable Weber to host larger-scale regional competitions, large school events, its annual graduation, and programs in collaboration with organizational partners throughout the Atlanta Jewish community.
Additionally, The Marcus Foundation’s grant will enable Weber to meet the needs of its rapidly increasing enrollment through the addition of new classrooms and expanded dining and multi-purpose facilities to accommodate up to 400 students.
“Weber is a vital asset to the Atlanta Jewish community, and these additions will enable Weber to grow as a 21st century quality Jewish high school, and one of the largest in the country,” said Bernie Marcus, Chairman of The Marcus Foundation. “And given the powerful impact he made on so many people at Weber and beyond, I can think of no more meaningful naming of the Athletic Complex than to honor the life and legacy of Eitan Force.”
Athletic Complex: Coming Fall 2024
Music & Performing Arts Center: Coming Fall 2023
The Marcus Foundation’s grant comes in collaboration with a new $10 million gift by school founder Joe Weber and his family, along with a community campaign that has successfully raised 80% of a $5 million fundraising goal from parents and friends of the high school.
These latest investments come on the heels of a $19 million grant from The Zalik Foundation to build a Music and Performing Arts Center that will open in fall 2023. The Zalik Foundation grant also established funds to expand Weber’s Israel and global travel education programming and support the school in attracting and retaining top-level educational professionals.
In total, The Weber School has raised $43 million as part of its Excellence Fund campaign, with $1 million remaining to achieve its goal.
For questions and additional information, please contact Paul Ginburg, Associate Head of School and Chief Advancement Officer, at pginburg@weberschool.org.
Media Coverage
List of 1 items.
-
About The Marcus Foundation
Founded in 1989, The Marcus Foundation fulfills the philanthropic vision of Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot. The Foundation’s grantmaking philosophy is derived from Bernie Marcus’ personal life experiences as a businessman and entrepreneur. Upholding Bernie’s beliefs and values in entrepreneurial philanthropy, the Foundation has five key areas of giving – all with the goal to transform lives through innovative problem solving. The five focus areas are: Jewish causes; healthcare and medical research; the health and welfare of children, with an emphasis on education; free enterprise, including veteran issues and national security; and local community. More than $2.5 billion in grants have been given in the past 30 years.
List of 1 items.
-
About The Weber School
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School prepares students for success in college and in life, inspiring them to be knowledgeable, thinking, responsible Jewish adults, by weaving together the pursuit of academic excellence; a commitment to Jewish values, the Jewish people, and Israel; and a responsibility to serve our community and improve our world.The Weber School is a Jewish community high school serving students from all Jewish backgrounds. The comprehensive academic and co-curricular program develops student exploration, leadership, and social responsibility. Students learn in the classroom, off-campus, and around the world guided by highly talented and devoted faculty who cultivate creative thinking and encourage student initiative.
The Weber School
The Weber School, a Jewish Community high school serving students from all Jewish backgrounds, prepares students for success in college and in life with comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that inspire student exploration, leadership, and Jewish social consciousness. Many of our programs and academies are unique to Weber and can't be found at any other Atlanta-area high schools.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
©2020 The Weber School All Rights Reserved