Tyler Perry Studios joined some of our favorite furry and feathered friends earlier this month to honor famed puppeteer, Caroll Spinney, and raise money for the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.

TPS was honored to be a supporting partner in the star-studded event, which was hosted by Chris Hardwick and held at Jim Henson’s legendary Hollywood lot. The guest of honor, Caroll Spinney, is best known to Sesame Street superfans as the man behind the iconic characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. Other special guests included Jack McBrayer, Bobby Moynihan, and Grammy Award-winner Jason Mraz.

The successful event raised over $225,000.00 for the 40-year-old theater company, the largest of its kind (and in the nation) that is dedicated to the ancient art of puppetry. The center keeps a busy year-round calendar filled with performances, education, online learning, and workshops, along with a vibrant puppetry museum and restoration project.

Executive Director at the Center for Puppetry Arts, Vince Anthony, said, “We are so grateful to our corporate sponsors, Joan Ganz Cooney, Sesame Workshop, Tyler Perry Studios, and of course The Jim Henson Company, for creating an unforgettable tribute to the iconic Caroll Spinney.”

Find out more about the center and its programs here.