Steve Carell surprised 800 high school students affected by the Los Angeles wildfires by covering their prom tickets, partnering with Alice’s Kids, a Virginia-based charity providing financial aid to children in need. In a video announcement played at six Southern California schools, Carell shared that Alice’s Kids would fund all prom tickets and reimburse students who had already purchased theirs.

Alice’s Kids is donating $175,000 toward prom costs, ensuring students in wildfire-affected areas can attend. The fires, which swept through Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena, and Altadena in January, destroyed over 16,200 structures, with damages exceeding $250 billion, according to California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

At John Muir High School, students cheered as Carell’s video played in the auditorium. An Instagram post captioned “Surprises and smiles, another day in Stangland” captured their excitement. Alice’s Kids also shared footage of students reacting emotionally, including a girl overwhelmed with tears upon hearing she could attend prom for free.

Meanwhile, wildfire recovery efforts remain in early stages. Newsom has requested over $30 billion in federal aid, including grants and loans for homeowners, businesses, and infrastructure rebuilding. “Make no mistake, Los Angeles will use this money wisely,” he assured in a letter to federal lawmakers.