Actor Steve Carell is extending a helping hand to high school students in Southern California affected by the devastating wildfires, offering them the opportunity to attend prom at no cost. The actor, known for his role in “The Office,” revealed this generous endeavor through an Instagram video on Tuesday. Working alongside the Alice’s Kids charity, Carell aims to support seniors at six high schools in Pasadena.
“If you’ve already bought your prom tickets, the charity will reimburse you,” Carell stated, highlighting the thoughtful gesture. The recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area have wreaked havoc, destroying over 16,000 homes and structures, and claiming at least 29 lives in neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades and Altadena, north of Pasadena. The fires also damaged school facilities, disrupting the education of thousands of students and leaving families struggling to find suitable schooling alternatives.
Alice’s Kids has committed $175,000 to cover prom expenses for over 800 students, with typical ticket prices ranging between $100 and $150. “We wanted to ensure that seniors, who have endured a challenging year due to the fires, could enjoy prom night stress-free,” said Ron Fitzsimmons, the executive director of Alice’s Kids. “Our aim is to bring some joy and fun into their lives despite the adversities they’ve faced.”
At John Muir High School, one of the beneficiaries, students erupted in applause and cheers when surprised by Carell’s video at a school assembly. Aveson Charter School, another recipient, faced severe losses, with its facilities for kindergarten to fifth grade destroyed and the building for older students left unusable by the fires.
Carell also joined in the recent “Skate for LA Strong” hockey tournament, which was organized to gather funds for fire relief efforts. Wrapping up his announcement, he encouraged students by saying: “Have fun, enjoy the prom. And remember, this is Steve Carell.”
