Alice’s Kids Charity to Cover All Pasadena Unified Senior Prom Tickets

Prom at Marshall Fundamental, May 2022 (File Photo – PUSD)

In a heartwarming gesture of support after the devastation caused by the Eaton Fire, Alice’s Kids, a Virginia-based nonprofit, announced today a $175,000 donation to help PUSD seniors attend their high school prom.

By News Desk

The generous contribution, revealed in a video message by actor and longtime supporter Steve Carell, will cover the cost of prom tickets for over 800 students in the area.

This donation comes at a critical time for Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre, where the wildfires, which ravaged the region in recent months, affected more than 9,400 structures and displaced 10,000 families. The funds will ensure that many students, whose lives were upended by the fires, can still celebrate one of the most anticipated milestones of their senior year—prom.

“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.”

Despite the challenges posed by the fires, the six Pasadena Unified high schools that survived the devastation are moving forward with their prom plans. Given the financial strain many families are facing, Fitzsimmons and Alice’s Kids stepped in to eliminate the worry of prom ticket costs, allowing students to focus on celebrating their achievements.

“Marshall is so incredibly grateful…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!,” said principal Lori Touloumian of Marshall Fundamental Secondary School.

In addition to Marshall Fundamental, other participating schools include John Muir, Blair, Rose City, and Pasadena High Schools.