Steve Carell Helps Fund Prom Tickets for Seniors Affected by Wildfires

Steve Carell’s Real-Life Gesture Brings Hope to High School Seniors

Steve Carell, known for his iconic role in The Office, is making headlines once again, but this time, for a heartfelt gesture. The actor has teamed up with the charity Alice’s Kids to cover prom ticket expenses for high school seniors in Altadena affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles.

In a YouTube video, Carell delivered the joyous news: “Attention! Attention, all seniors,” he announced. “Alice’s Kids wanted me to let you know that they will be paying for all of your prom tickets. And if you’ve already paid for your prom tickets, they will reimburse you for your prom tickets.”

He humorously added, “It’s a pretty good deal,” showing his characteristic charm.

The initiative by the Virginia-based charity aims to assist around 800 students spanning six high schools, with an estimated financial commitment of $175,000. Alice’s Kids Executive Director Ron Fitzsimmons explained the involvement of Carell: “Steve has supported us for years. When I started talking to principals about paying for the tickets, someone at some point actually mentioned Steve’s name … and he told me that Steve was actually pretty popular with high schoolers because they ‘discovered’ The Office during COVID and they saw Despicable Me,” Fitzsimmons shared in an email to NPR.

The connection between Carell and the students was further solidified due to the actor’s popularity from his roles in The Office and Despicable Me. Fitzsimmons noted, “So, I came up with the idea of having Steve announce our gesture, and he agreed immediately to cut the video.”

This charitable act brings to mind a classic, albeit controversial, episode of The Office. In the episode titled “Scott’s Tots,” Carell’s character, Michael Scott, promises to pay the college tuition for a class of high school seniors, only to later admit that he lacks the funds. However, unlike the fictional scenario, Alice’s Kids ensures that these students will have their prom night covered, providing a sense of relief and excitement for the seniors.