Tyler Perry Donates $500,000 To Apollo Theater At Annual Spring Benefit

At an event where Tyler Perry was being honored, the filmmaker flips the script by giving back to the organization. 

After EGOT actress and daytime host Whoopi Goldberg presented him with the Impact Award at the Apollo Theater’s spring benefit on Monday, Perry was so “moved and inspired” that he gifted the historic Harlem music hall with a $500,000 donation.

Perry also expressed how much the Apollo Theater meant to him.

“I want to say, thank you… when you are honored by a legacy, a history that is as rich as the Apollo, you have to honor that,” he said.

The iconic theater has helped launch some of music’s biggest acts including Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hill and Stephanie Mills, who made a special appearance at the gala.

Perry encouraged the crowd to “remember the history,” and “… don’t ever take this place for granted.” He then surprised the theater with a generous donation.

“I’d like to give a half million to make sure this place continues to grow and thrive,” he explained. “Give it up for the Apollo.”

The $500,000 gift helped their spring benefit, hosted by Saturday Night Live cast member Kenan Thompson, raise a record-breaking $3.7 million.