Tyler Perry Turns Philanthropist, Sends Kids to Disney World

Tyler Perry, the creator and star of "Madea Goes to Jail" and "House of Payne" is making major philanthropic strides lately. According to a publicist for the actor, writer and producers is sponsoring a trip to Disney World for 65 children from Pennsylvania. The decision from Perry came in the wake of a swim club revoking pool privileges for children at a largely minority day-care center.

Said Keleigh Thomas, Perry’s publicist, "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." Thomas also noted that Perry would be paying not only for the admission to the park, but also for transportation, lodging and food. Said Aletha Wright, director of the Creative Steps day-care center, "I am ecstatic for the children."

The initial furor was highly publicized and started after the Valley Swim Club in suburban Philadelphia revoked privileges after a visit by the children on June 29. Some members of the pool apparently asked why "black children were there" and noted that "they might steal from us." The club, which had contracted with the day-care center for use of the pool, returned the center’s $1,950 check without any explanation as to why the agreement was being terminated. It was this course of events that moved Perry to action. Said Perry, "This is awful, and for anyone that has grown up in the inner-city, you know that one small act of kindness can change your life."