Actor and stand-up comedian Chris Tucker dropped by Ola High School on Wednesday to let the students of the choir program know that his Chris Tucker Foundation would be paying off their remaining balance for their New York City trip, according to NBC 12.
The choir students were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall and needed to raise enough money to reach their $201,579.25 goal to travel to New York for their June 20 performance.
The Rush Hour star said he saw a news segment about the school and decided to step in with the help of his foundation, which his mother had urged him to create.
“I saw on the news yesterday, on Channel 2, that you guys just needed a little bit more money for your trip. I just happened to turn on the TV, and I said, ‘This is what the foundation is about,’ and it makes me feel so good, and I’m so honored to be able to do this for you guys,” Tucker said to the stunned Georgia high school students.
Mindy Forehand, the program’s director, posted a Facebook video of Tucker bringing a check to pay the remaining balance of over $16,000 that was due on Friday, according to their GoFund page.
Teacher Melissa Stroup said his charitable gesture “was an answer to prayer.”
“These students will never forget his gift or that very teachable moment to carry with them,” Stroup said.
“You guys have a great time in New York and have a ball in Carnegie Hall,” shouted Tucker to the thrilled teenagers.
