Movie theatre mogul Herman Stone gets 'Big Heart'

Herman Stone, founder and CEO of Stone Theatres and lifetime film industry entrepreneur, recently was awarded the 2013 Mac McAfee Big Heart Award by Atlanta-based children's charity Variety Tent 21 for his funding and support for thousands of children affected by physical and mental disabilities.

“This award isn’t just for my own efforts,” Stone said, in a statement. “I have worked with some dedicated people during my years in the business. I might have been the face of the business, but it’s their extraordinary work and their commitment to quality that has helped make what we do a success.”

Established in 1939, Variety Tent 21 is a nonprofit in Atlanta and part of Variety Clubs International. Variety of Georgia’s mission is to aid and enhance the lives of children in need who may be challenged by
physical and/or mental disabilities, poverty, abuse or neglect.

A North Carolina native, Stone has spent more than 40 years in the film industry. After graduating from Pfeiffer College in 1965, he joined Consolidated Theatres to handle booking, film buying and business development.  He worked his way up through the ranks of the company to become president in 1986. After
selling the business to Carmike Cinemas, Stone founded Consolidated Theatres, Inc. in 1990, which became
the ninth largest theater chain in the U.S., operating 421 screens in 30 locations in South Carolina, Maryland,
Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. 

Herman Stone formed Stone Theatres in 2008 and now operates locations throughout the Carolinas. 

Stone has been recognized for his philanthropy and financial support of many organizations over the years. Stone has also donated to the Charlotte Regional Film partnership, the Make‐a‐Wish foundation and Multiple Sclerosis Society, and many local churches and charities.