Virginia Charity to Cover Prom Tickets for California High School Seniors Affected by Wildfires

A Virginia-based charity will pay approximately $175,000 for more than 800 high school seniors in Altadena to attend their prom following devastating wildfires that ravaged their community.

Alice’s Kids, along with longtime supporter Steve Carell, made the announcement via video on March 4, at senior assemblies across six affected high schools.

The donation comes after the Eaton Fire tore through the Altadena and Pasadena areas, impacting over 9,400 structures and displacing approximately 10,000 families in January. Despite the widespread destruction, the six high schools remained intact and are proceeding with their scheduled proms.

“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 devastating year.”

School administrators expressed gratitude for the gesture that will benefit students across Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, Aveson Charter, John Muir, Blair, Rose City and Pasadena High Schools.

The announcement has boosted morale among students still recovering from the disaster’s aftermath.

“Marshall is so incredibly grateful,” said Lori Touloumian, Principal of Marshall Fundamental Secondary School. “So many of our students endured tragedy and loss due to the Eaton Fires, and this wonderful gesture will lift our students’ spirits with a spark of much needed joy!”

Byron Flitsch, Director of Curriculum at Aveson Charter, shared similar sentiments about the announcement, particularly noting the celebrity involvement.

“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,” Flitsch said.

Alice’s Kids, a national charity providing anonymous financial assistance to children in need, recognized the financial strain that many families are experiencing in the wake of the disaster. The organization specifically wanted to eliminate the additional burden of prom expenses during this challenging time.

“Knowing the financial pressure families are feeling, we wanted to at least erase the worry of paying for prom tickets,” Fitzsimmons said.