Actor Steve Carell is helping high school seniors in Southern California go to prom for free after wildfires in Los Angeles caused major damage.
The star of The Office shared in an Instagram video on Tuesday that he’s teaming up with the charity Alice’s Kids to cover prom costs for seniors at six high schools in Pasadena.
“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.
Wildfires in the Los Angeles area destroyed over 16,000 buildings, including homes and businesses, and led to the deaths of at least 29 people in areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena, north of Pasadena. School campuses were damaged too, leaving many families trying to find places for their kids to attend school.
Alice’s Kids will give around $175,000 so that over 800 students can attend prom. Prom tickets usually cost between $100 and $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,” said Ron Fitzsimmons, the executive director of Alice’s Kids. “Hopefully this allows the students to unwind and have some fun after a devasting year.”
Steve Carell arrives at the premiere of “Beautiful Boy” in Beverly HillsJohn Muir High School posted a video on Instagram showing students cheering and clapping as they heard Carell’s announcement during an assembly.
Aveson Charter School is another school receiving help. Its kindergarten through 5th grade campus was destroyed, and its building for older students is damaged and not safe to use.
Carell also joined the “Skate for LA Strong” celebrity hockey tournament last week, which raised money for people affected by the fires.
He ended his video by saying: “Have fun, enjoy the prom. And remember, this is Steve Carell.”
