For students at six Pasadena-area high schools, life got turned upside down after the Eaton fire tore through nearby Altadena, wiping out more than 9,000 buildings.
And just as these seniors were trying to figure out their next steps — while also dealing with all that loss — Steve Carell decided to step in and do something extra special.
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Life hasn’t been the same since the LA fires
For seniors at six Pasadena-area high schools, everything changed when the Eaton fire ripped through nearby Altadena, wiping out over 9,000 buildings. Many lost their homes, their sense of stability — some even lost everything.
And just as they were trying to pick up the pieces while preparing for graduation, Steve Carell stepped in with his unexpected gesture.
Steve Carell delivers a special surprise through video
At surprise assemblies across six high schools in the Altadena area on Tuesday, students watched a video message from Carell, as reported by ABC7 and LAmag.
And in true Michael Scott fashion, he kicked it off with, “Attention. Attention all seniors. This is Steve Carell with a very special announcement.”
A heartfelt gesture to cover prom tickets
“I work with a wonderful charity based out of Virginia called Alice’s Kids,” he continued. “And Alice’s Kids wanted me to let you know that they will be paying for all of your prom tickets.”
Then he added, “And if you have already paid for your prom tickets, they will reimburse you for your prom tickets.”
Then he wrapped it up in the most Carell way possible: “It’s a pretty good deal. Have fun. Enjoy the prom. And remember…this is Steve Carell. Take it easy, guys.”
The charity behind the kindness
Alice’s Kids is a nonprofit based in Virginia that focuses on giving financial help to kids in need.
The charity was founded by siblings who grew up on welfare and knew the shame of going without. Their mother, Alice, did whatever she could to help them feel normal — sometimes with just a new pair of shoes or a haircut.
Inspired by her, they started Alice’s Kids to give kids that same boost of confidence. Steve Carell and his wife, Nancy, have been long-time supporters of the organization.
Social media reacts with heartfelt appreciation
People couldn’t get enough of the actor’s generosity.
Some couldn’t resist comparing this to Michael Scott’s infamous promise
Then of course, The Office fans instantly brought up “Scott’s Tots,” one of the show’s most painfully awkward episodes.
In the episode, Michael Scott promises to pay for an entire class’s college tuition — only for them to find out years later that he, well…doesn’t actually have the money.
“Great job!! Big Office fan so all I can think about is ‘Scott’s Tots,'” someone wrote.
Another joked, “It’s all fun and games until he shows up with a suitcase full of laptop batteries,” referencing Michael’s attempt to make up for his broken promise with, well… not much.
Gratitude pours in from students and families
Students and their families were beyond grateful. “Thank you so much for blessing our students at Pasadena HS with an unforgettable night of memories,” one person commented on Alice’s Kids’ Instagram post. Another wrote:
How much does prom actually cost?
Someone online asked how expensive prom is these days. Alice’s Kids responded that in Altadena, tickets range from $50 to $185.
So, with nearly 800 students getting covered, and an average ticket cost of about $117.50, that means the charity is spending around $94,000 to make sure these kids get to have their prom night.
This simple act of kindness made a huge impact
Students at these schools were absolutely thrilled, and videos posted to Alice’s Kids’ X account showed just how much this meant to them.
We could all use a little more kindness in the world, right?
Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by Reem Haqqi
