Filmmaker, actor Tyler Perry donates $100,000 to help student athletes in Ohio schools

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FILE - In this Friday, March 16, 2012 file photo, filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry takes the stage to introduce President Barack Obama during a fundraiser at Perry\'s film studio, in Atlanta. Perry has surprised middle school students in Ohio by showing up at a musical concert and donating 00,000 to help student athletes in the city\'s South-Western schools. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry has surprised middle school students in Ohio by showing up at a musical concert and donating $100,000 to help student athletes in the city’s South-Western schools.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that Perry was drawn to Finland Middle School on Friday after seeing a TV report about teacher Mary Mulvany starting a foundation to raise scholarship money to cover fees.

South-Western schools earned national attention when athletics and extra-curricular activities were eliminated after a failed levy in 2009. The ballot request was later approved by voters, and sports, clubs and other activities were resurrected for a fee.

Perry says he wants to sponsor as many children as possible and wants part of the money to go toward Finland and some to the foundation.

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