“Atlanta’s shining lights,” they call them. The Shining Light Plaque, a beacon of recognition, stands as a testament to those who’ve illuminated our city through selfless service.
Established in 1963, the Shining Light Award, marked by an eternally burning natural gas lamp and bronze plaque, began as a collaboration between Atlanta Gas Light Company and WSB Radio. It honors Georgians who inspire others through their dedication to humanity. Each recipient gets their own gaslight installed at a location that holds special meaning for them.
Take a moment to appreciate the symbolism. The eternal flame represents the enduring impact these individuals have on Atlanta. The plaque immortalizes their contributions for generations to come.
One notable recipient of the Shining Light Award is Bill Bolling. He is the founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. In 2009, Bolling’s contributions were recognized with his own Shining Light. His lamp was unveiled at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. This is where he began his career, fighting hunger and empowering those in need.
Bolling oversaw the distribution of over 20 million pounds of food and grocery products each year through more than 800 local and regional nonprofit organizations.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank celebrated its 30th anniversary the same year that Bolling received the Shining Light Award.
Bolling described himself as someone who moves between the worlds of the rich and the poor. He laughingly admitted that being honored in front of so many friends and mentors was outside his comfort zone.
Previous Shining Light Award honorees include some of Atlanta’s most influential figures. President Jimmy Carter. Baseball legend Hank Aaron. U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young.
Another Shining Light recipient was J.B. Fuqua. Fuqua was an entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist. In 2000, he received the award in a ceremony at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Fuqua funded the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. An ever-glowing gas light and bronze plaque was unveiled there in his honor.
These are just a few of the stories behind the Shining Light Plaques scattered throughout Atlanta. They remind us that one person’s dedication can truly brighten the lives of countless others.