Will Smith: Scientology Benefactor

Will Smith: Scientology Benefactor

Will Smith -- charismatic, friendly, and polite -- is also very charitable. His Will Smith Foundation has given several hundred thousands of dollars to local civic organizations in the Baltimore and Philadelphia areas. Last year he was even one of the few clients of Creative Artists Agency to give money to the talent agency's own tax free fund ($2,500).

But here's something you don't know: after Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett, made "Collateral" with Tom Cruise in 2004, the couple donated $20,000 to Scientology's literacy campaign, called HELP The Hollywood Education and Literacy Program, which is the basis for Scientology's home schooling system. The 2005 contribution is listed in the federal filing for The Will Smith Foundation for the previous year. Since that time, Smith's children have been home schooled. This week, doing publicity for "I Am Legend," Smith reiterated his plan to start his own private school.

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