Cobb Community Foundation honors longtime philanthropist

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Cobb Community Foundation honors longtime philanthropist
Jay Cunningham and Cobb Community Foundation director Shari Martin.

Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) presented Superior Plumbing’s Jay Cunningham with the 2023 James L. Rhoden, Jr. Award for Visionary Philanthropy at the Marquee Monday event hosted by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 11.

The James L. Rhoden, Jr. Award for Visionary Philanthropy was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation in conjunction with its 10th anniversary in December 2003, to honor founder, Jim Rhoden. The award is voted on annually by the Board to recognize and honor a Cobb business and community leader who makes significant contributions to our community through gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Nominees are recognized in Cobb County for their commitment to improving the quality of life for Cobb residents and meeting critical needs of the community as demonstrated by their leadership and/or service work.

CCF Board President Kim Gresh was the presenting speaker and praised Cunningham for the many ways that he makes Cobb County better. The father of seven children and a grandfather, it is understood that family is in the forefront of everything he does. Said Gresh, “His business’s logo is hard to miss and can be found all over this county in football stadiums, at the North GA State Fair, the Big Shanty Festival, the Taste of Kennesaw. He serves on the board of trustees for the Wellstar Health System, The Strand Theatre, Must Ministries and many others.  He is a Tommy Nobis Center Community Champion and serves on way too many Cobb civic organizations to name.”

Here are just a few examples of ways he invests in Cobb County:

  • The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Cunningham Family building in Kennesaw
  • The Superior Plumbing VECTR Center, an academic transition support center for veteran students and their dependents
  • Superior Pets, an initiative pairing sheltered animals with deserving veterans

Furthermore, he actively urges local businesses to contribute both financially and physically to their communities. In essence, Jay’s dedication to advancing with purpose, challenging conventional thinking, and uplifting those facing obstacles around him is truly praiseworthy. His inclination to participate in discussions that test the boundaries of established thought often leads to rewarding results for many within our community.  

We are proud to name Jay Cunningham as this year’s recipient of the James L. Rhoden Visionary Philanthropist award.

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