Image courtesy of Walt Disney World
Tyler Perry, the star, writer and producer of films such as “Madea Goes to Jail” and the television show “House of Payne,” could be adding philanthropist to his growing list of credits.
According to his publicist, Perry is sponsoring a Disney World trip for 65 Pennsylvania children at a largely minority day-care center after a swim club canceled pool privileges for the children.
“He wanted to do something nice for them and let them know that for every negative experience, there are people out there who want them to succeed regardless of the color of their skin,” said Keleigh Thomas, Perry’s publicist. She added the entertainer would be footing the bill for all transportation, hotel, admissions and food costs at the Florida theme park.
When Perry heard about the situation with the children in the highly publicized aftermath of the pool cancellation, he immediately wanted to help them, Thomas told CNN, adding that a trip to Disney World is definitely “better than the pool.”
For the rest of the article…please see CNN
July 21, 2009 at 8:46 am
Racism was the swim facility telling the kids no because of “overcrowding” and concerns about “safety” – HEY People – the guy who is the manager SHOULD know how many people can safely be in the pool at any given time – excuse me but is that not his J O B – if there is overcrowding then how about a different time – special request for “private event” – the whole damn place just oozed hate and racism towards those kids – GOD BLESS TYLER PERRY – you are a person willing to stand up and say – this ain’t right – I have the money to help and let these kids know that not everyone out there is a….
July 21, 2009 at 9:04 am
all i can say is you are an awesome man? God created you with wonderfulness! you are truly an awesome man!
July 21, 2009 at 9:20 am
I’m as liberal as they come, and while I commend Perry for footing the bill, it does send the wrong message. Just cry racism kids and everything goes your way! That’s the problem with a lot (not all) of minorities in this country. They continue to expect a handout. This was a PRIVATE swim club and they had already kicked out two other groups that did not include minorities. It was not racially motivated, and even if some snide comments were made by individual members, just move on and accept the sincere apology given by the director. I don’t blame them for accepting Perry’s offer, but they also sued, which is absolutely ridiculous.
July 21, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Thank you for letting me ventilate, first of all.
Now to make my Points. I feel that Tyler is an awesome talent and all of that and some more. But the real story is that Black People are neglecting their neighborhoods and their children. Meaning, where was a swimming pool in the Childrens’ neighborhood? Why did they have to rent (give their money to the white man) a pool out of their area? Where is the Black Man and Woman’s money to building their own recreational facility and where are the tax payer’s money going as not to have a pool in their neighborhood. I found this situation to be very alarming as it says that Black People are really suffering from Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, bondage, disenfranchisement and the cry baby syndrome as well.
Next, are there no Black Recreational facilities, with pools that Tyler could have supported with his money?
I am sure his gift to these children will receive a response from Black Women as an apology for his betrayal of Black Women in such degrading manners.
To me, he has become like most entrepreneurs who have made a little more money than others. He has gotten out of touch with reality. His arrogance has overcome the realities that life will continue to teach you lessons that at any age we must learn and not run away from. Putting a band aid on any situation is not healing the wound. Our Black Brothers and Sisters need to all step up to the plate and REPRESENT, NOW. That includes the NAACP.
July 21, 2009 at 5:04 pm
insanely sweet.
July 21, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Chuck, its not ONLY minorities that are looking for handouts, thats what you want to see and thats ridiculous. The manager of the pool apologized because the news media shed light on him and the club he manages was getting some negative press. I dont think his apology was sincere, it was done to save face. The people running the pool should have known how many people can safely occupy the pool at any given time, so, the EXCUSE he is trying to use, saying he underestimated he amount of people that were coming , is a LOAD of bull. Where are the other 2 swim groups that had their pool passes revoked? A lawsuit is appropriate in this case. Mr. Perry is just being kind and is in no way sending the wrong message.