Tyler Perry Donating $500,000 To The Apollo Theater

Tyler Perry announced that he’s gifting The Apollo Theater with a $500,000 donation after Whoopi Goldberg presented him with the Impact Award at the theater’s spring benefit.

“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 famous theater has helped launch many careers of some of the biggest acts, including Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hill, and Stephanie Mills.

Perry said to the crowd, “remember the history, and on this stage, and in this building, there have been some legends… don’t ever take this place for granted.”

“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 donation contributed to a record-breaking $3.7 million raised during their spring gala, presented by “Saturday Night Live” cast member Kenan Thompson.