Tyler Perry Saves Atlanta Organization that Helps At-risk Youth

ATLANTA – Actor/writer/producer Tyler Perry has stepped forward to match an anonymous $14,000 donation that will save BE SOMEONE – a local struggling organization that helps at-risk youth by teaching them life skills through the game of chess. Their youth center had a December 31st deadline to make critical construction improvements which, if not completed, would have likely led to its closing. Perry initially asked to remain anonymous, but was swayed to go public to show solidarity and support for the program.

"We are training champions here at BE SOMEONE and Mr. Perry has been our champion today," said Orrin Hudson, the organization’s founder. "We are incredibly grateful and humbled by his tremendous gift, as well as those of our other donors. I never lost faith that God moves mountains and once again I have seen how good people are called to come forward to assist in this life-changing work."

Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Perry and other donors, BE SOMEONE will be able to continue to make a difference daily through the life mastery skills and community enrichment they offer. "Chess is not just a game; it is a doorway into training for life skills that will serve children for years to come," Hudson says.

About BE SOMEONE

BE SOMEONE is an Atlanta based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on helping youth, particularly at-risk youth, in the community discover their potential and learn the skills necessary to win in any situation. Since opening in 2000, thousands of children have proven to themselves and others that they can achieve anything they set their minds to by learning the game of chess. For more information on the program, visit www.besomeone.org