Steve Carell Surprises Wildfire-Affected SoCal Students with Free Prom Tickets

Actor Steve Carell is making prom dreams come true for high school seniors in Southern California who have been affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

‘The Office’ star announced in an Instagram video that he’s teaming up with Alice’s Kids, a charity that helps children in need, to cover prom expenses for students at six high schools in Pasadena.

“If you’ve already paid for your prom tickets, they’ll reimburse you. It’s a pretty good deal,” Carell said in the video.

The wildfires have left a massive impact on the region, destroying over 16,000 homes, businesses, and structures, and claiming at least 29 lives in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas north of Pasadena. Schools were damaged or destroyed, forcing thousands of students to relocate.

Alice’s Kids will donate $175,000 to send more than 800 students to prom, where tickets typically cost $100 to $150 each.

“Prom should be a celebration,” said Ron Fitzsimmons, executive director of Alice’s Kids. “We wanted to make the big night a little easier for seniors whose lives were turned upside down.”

A video posted by John Muir High School captured students cheering and clapping as they were surprised with Carell’s announcement during a school assembly.

Among the recipient schools is Aveson Charter School, which lost its kindergarten through fifth-grade campus in the fires, leaving its middle and high school building damaged and unusable.

Carell, who also took part in the “Skate for LA Strong” hockey tournament to raise funds for wildfire relief, ended his message with a simple but heartfelt send-off:

“Have fun, enjoy prom. And remember, this is Steve Carell.”