Free Prom Tickets for High School Seniors in Fire-Ravaged Altadena, CA, Thanks to Alice’s Kids
Actor Steve Carell announces $175,000 Alice’s Kids Grant at Senior Assemblies
Alexandria, VA – Alice’s Kids, a nonprofit based in Alexandria, Virginia, will pay approximately $175,000 for high school seniors to attend their school proms in fire-ravaged Altadena, CA. Actor Steve Carell, one of its longtime supporters, made the announcement this morning via video during student assemblies.
The donation sends more than 800 students to an annual right-of-passage dance that may have been overlooked after the Eaton Fire raged through the community.
“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, Executive Director of Alice’s Kids. “Senior year is a turning point, and hopefully this allows the students to unwind and have some fun after a devasting year.”
The fires impacted over 9,400 structures in the Altadena/Pasadena areas and displaced 10,000 families. The six high schools, which survived intact, are making the best of a bad situation and moving ahead with their proms. “Knowing the financial pressure families are feeling, we wanted to at least erase the worry of paying for prom tickets,” said Fitzsimmons.
“Marshall is so incredibly grateful. So many of our students endured tragedy and loss due to the Eaton Fire, and this wonderful gesture will lift our students’ spirits with a spark of much-needed joy!” said principal Lori Touloumian of Marshall Fundamental Secondary School.
Byron Flitsch, Director of Curriculum at Aveson Charter, said, “This is amazing news! We are beyond grateful! What a kind gesture for our students…and to have Steve Carell share the news is beyond epic!”
Additional schools include John Muir, Blair, Rose City and Pasadena High Schools.
Alice’s Kids is a national charity that provides anonymous financial assistance to children in need. Learn more at www.aliceskids.org.
