The high school seniors might have initially believed Steve Carell was pulling their legs with his announcement. On Tuesday, the A-list actor made a surprise appearance on a screen during six separate high school assemblies in Altadena, California. Addressing the students, many of whom had lost their homes in the devastating Eaton Fire, Carell revealed that their prom tickets had been sponsored.
"Gather 'round, all you seasoned veterans," Carell initiated with a playful yet pseudo-serious demeanor, conveying the message in a style akin to a spontaneous video update."This is Steve Carell, with a very special announcement for you." One memorable episode of "The Office" featured Carell's character, Michael Scott, promising to fund a class of students' college tuition through a program aptly named Scott's Tots. However, Scott, the bumbling office manager, crushed the kids' dreams when he couldn't foot the bill.
But today, Carell meant every word he said. He had recorded the video for Alice's Kids, a Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children from low-income families. Each of these schools had students who had been severely impacted by the Eaton Fire, which raged out of control in early January and took weeks to contain. The deadly blaze scorched more than 14,000 acres of land, leaving a trail of unprecedented destruction in its wake.
"I work with a wonderful charity called Alice's Kids," Carell shared in the video. "And Alice's Kids wanted me to inform you that they are footing the bill for all of your prom tickets." He added, "Have fun, enjoy the prom, and remember: This is Steve Carell. Take it easy, guys."
Alice's Kids provides financial grants to students across the country to help them cover specific needs, school supplies, or entertainment expenses. For instance, "if a teacher notices a kid who needs soccer cleats, they send us a request form detailing the child's needs," explained Ron Fitzsimmons, the executive director of Alice's Kids. Fitzsimmons's family faced financial struggles when he was a child, which inspired him and his sister to start a charity named after their mother, Alice, who had helped them feel confident despite their circumstances.
Once Alice's Kids grants approval to a teacher, social worker, or another requester, they promptly dispatch funds to the initiator, who then forwards the donation to the child's caregiver. The underlying mission is to maintain the donation's anonymity for the child, safeguarding them from any embarrassment. "Our intention is to uphold the dignity of each child," emphasized Fitzsimmons.
While the organization primarily awards individual grants—having assisted 10,407 unique children last year—it also extends substantial donations to communities reeling from natural disasters. Following the Eaton Fire's devastating impact, Fitzsimmons conducted an assessment among local high schools to identify those most in need, ultimately selecting six institutions: Aveson Schools, Blair High School, John Muir High School, Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, Pasadena High School, and Rose City High School.
"A vast number of students attending these schools lost their homes," Fitzsimmons revealed, noting that the physical structures of the schools remained unscathed. "They continue to attend classes, albeit homeless."
Alice's Kids is generously allocating approximately $175,000 to ensure that over 800 students can attend their prom. The cost of prom tickets at these six schools varies between $50 and $185. Post-fire, many students lacked the financial means to purchase a ticket. Fitzsimmons aimed to alleviate some of their burdens, ensuring that seniors had the opportunity to participate in what he deemed "a rite of passage."
"Prom is a celebration, and above all, these kids yearn for a joyous occasion," Fitzsimmons noted. "They crave something uplifting."
In addition to the ticket costs, there are other prom-related expenses, such as attire. Numerous organizations across California and the nation offer free promwear.
Steve Carell and his wife, Nancy, have been steadfast supporters of Alice's Kids for several years. Their journey with the organization began when Nancy Carell made a donation six years ago, and they have contributed annually since. "Our bond has grown stronger over the years," Fitzsimmons shared, adding that he met the Carells in person in Los Angeles, with Nancy Carell lending her voice to an explainer video on the charity's website. "Steve and Nancy are invaluable patrons. They are truly remarkable individuals."
When Fitzsimmons inquired if Steve Carell would consider recording a video announcement for the students, "he immediately agreed," Fitzsimmons recounted. He further learned from school counselors that the students were avid fans of Carell, largely due to his role in "The Office."
The six schools whose students will benefit from Alice's Kids' prom tickets expressed profound gratitude for the support amidst their trying times. "Many of our students have endured heartbreaking tragedies and losses due to the Eaton Fires, and this magnificent gesture will rejuvenate their spirits with a spark of much-needed cheer," said Lori Touloumian, Principal of Marshall Fundamental Secondary School. "This means the world to our students... It brought immense joy this morning, something our students have sorely missed."
"What a compassionate act towards our students… and having Steve Carell share the news is beyond extraordinary," echoed Byron Flitsch, Curriculum Director at Aveson Charter.
Fitzsimmons plans to attend some of the proms in Altadena, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ecstatic seniors. "These kids thoroughly deserve this," Fitzsimmons affirmed.
