Actor Steve Carell is teaming up with a charity to assist high school seniors impacted by the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles by covering the expense of their prom tickets.
Steve Carell, known for his roles in “The Office” and as a comedian, announced via an Instagram video that he would be sponsoring prom expenses for students affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
In partnership with the charity Alice’s Kids, Carell is making it possible for seniors from six high schools in Pasadena to attend their prom without worrying about the financial burden.
“If you have already paid for your prom tickets, they will reimburse you for your prom tickets. It’s a pretty good deal,” Carell said.
The Los Angeles area fires destroyed more than 16,000 homes, businesses and other structures and killed at least 29 people in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and Altadena area north of Pasadena. It also scorched school campuses, upending the lives of thousands of students and parents who were left scrambling looking for classrooms for their kids to go to.
Alice’s Kids will donate about $175,000 for more than 800 students to attend the annual right-of-passage dance for graduating students. Tickets typically range from $100 to $150 each.
“Going to prom should be a celebration, and we wanted to help make the big night just a little easier for seniors whose lives have been turned upside down by the wildfires,” Ron Fitzsimmons, executive director of Alice’s Kids, said in a statement. “Hopefully this allows the students to unwind and have some fun after a devastating year.”
An Instagram video posted by John Muir High School, one of the recipient schools, show students clapping and cheering as they were surprised with Carell’s announcement during a school assembly.
Another recipient includes Aveson Charter School, whose campus for kindergarten through 5th grade students burned down in the fires and building for sixth through 12th graders is damaged and unusable.
Carell also participated in the star-studded “Skate for LA Strong” hockey tournament last week to raise money for fire relief.
In closing, the actor said: “Have fun, enjoy the prom. And remember, this is Steve Carell.”
