Fans Circulate Petition to Light Empire State Building Yellow in Honor of SPONGEBOB's Stephen Hillenburg

A new Care2 petition is calling on the Empire State Building to light up yellow to honor the passing of SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg from ALS.

VIEW THE CARE2 PETITION HERE: www.care2.com/go/z/Hillenburg

The Care2 petition was started by a SpongeBob Squarepants fan after news broke of Hillenburg's passing.

"SpongeBob Squarepants has taught his audience not only about friendship but helped to drive awareness around the importance of ocean conservation", writes Alison P. on her Care2 petition. "It was Stephen's genius that was able to invent a character who could connect with kids and adults to deliver such an important message in a fun and charming way."

Hillenburg taught marine biology in Dana Point, California when he birthed the idea of SpongeBob Squarepants which became a cornerstone for Nickelodeon Studios programming.

"SpongeBob brightened up so many people's lives", reads the Care2 petition, "it's only fitting we should brighten up the Empire State Building to honor him!"

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus