If Christmas had a soundtrack, it would’ve been laughter, bike bells, and pure joy echoing through Hollywood this week as Lacey Chabert and Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves brought the holiday spirit to life in the most meaningful way possible.
For the second year in a row, the beloved holiday movie icon partnered with Raising Cane’s for the brand’s Annual Holiday Bike Giveaway, gifting 120 custom Cane’s bikes and helmets to kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood. And that was just the beginning. With an additional 380 bikes donated ahead of Christmas, Cane’s is delivering a total of 500 bikes locally — and 4,500 bikes nationwide across nearly 30 cities, marking a $1.5 million holiday donation.
In true Celeb Secrets fashion, we were there to soak up every festive moment from Santa photo ops and hot chocolate breaks to heartfelt speeches that reminded us what the season is really about.
Standing in front of dozens of excited kids, Graves shared the deeply personal inspiration behind the initiative—one that traces all the way back to his own childhood.
“I remember receiving a bike as a kid on Christmas morning, and it was such an amazing memory for me,” Graves told the crowd. “I wanted to share that joy with kids and families who need it most.”
That nostalgic magic is exactly why this event has grown from a small act of kindness in Baton Rouge into a nationwide tradition that now touches thousands of lives every holiday season. And when it came to choosing a partner to help bring that vision to life, Graves didn’t hesitate.
“My number one pick was Miss Lacey Chabert,” he said with a smile. “Because she is the Queen of Christmas. But more than that — she genuinely loves to give back.”
Chabert, who has become synonymous with holiday cheer thanks to her iconic Christmas film roles, made it clear that events like this are what the season means to her most.
“I’m so happy to be here with Cane’s on such a joyful occasion,” she shared during the press conference. “Last year in New York, it was incredible seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces, and I’m so glad Todd asked me to be a part of this again.”
While she may spend much of the season spreading joy on screen, Chabert emphasized that giving back hits differently in real life.
“I love making Christmas movies, obviously,” she said, laughing, “but really, it’s about the spirit of the season —being here for one another and spreading as much joy as we possibly can.”
When Celeb Secrets asked both Graves and Chabert why kindness stands out as the most meaningful holiday tradition, their answers struck a powerful chord.
“For the bike specifically, I remember that feeling, right? And just to be able to do that for others it’s just.. it’s kindness,” Graves explained. “For me, it’s about hoping these kids see that act of kindness and someday pay it forward. That’s how I learned… from people doing kind things for me.”
Chabert echoed that sentiment, adding, “No matter what’s going on in life — the ups and downs — the holidays are the time to come together and just be there for each other and just spread as much joy as possible. I think there’s a lot of joy here today.”
Adding even more sparkle to the afternoon were special guests including Khadijah and Malika Haqq, Sarah Jane Nader, Vanderpump Rules’ Chris Hahn, Dixie, Marc, and Heidi D’Amelio, and Los Angeles Rams defensive end Larrell Murchison, all of whom took time to connect with the kids and share in the holiday magic.
“This is what Christmas is all about,” Malika Haqq told Celeb Secrets. “These children are so happy—and Todd gives in such a genuine way. This is making a lot of people’s season.”
Dixie’s connection to Raising Cane’s goes deeper than just showing up for a festive afternoon. When reflecting on the day with Celeb Secrets, the 24-year-old couldn’t help but gush about how meaningful it felt to give back alongside a brand she’s genuinely loved for years.
“We had an amazing day with the Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles and got to give some bikes away for the holidays and meet a bunch of kids,” Dixie shared. “Having hot chocolate, some Cane’s, and just seeing how excited everyone was — it was really special.”
And in true manifestation queen fashion, Dixie revealed that her Cane’s fandom dates back long before partnerships and appearances.
“I was trying to find the source of my original addiction to Cane’s, and it goes back to 2018,” she laughed. “I actually DM’d the official Raising Cane’s Twitter asking them to open a location in New York City.”
Fast-forward to now, and there’s not only a Cane’s in NYC, but one in Hollywood that Dixie found herself at to help spread holiday cheer on the brand’s behalf.
“We’ve come a really long way,” she said. “So being here with Cane’s and getting to give back on behalf of the brand is so cool.”
For Graves, giving back to Los Angeles carries special meaning. Long before Raising Cane’s became one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country, LA played a role in his journey.
“I worked in Torrance and El Segundo as a boilermaker to raise money for the very first Raising Cane’s,” he shared. “So being back here, repaying the community… it’s incredibly meaningful.”
With more than $160 million given back to local communities over the years, Cane’s continues to prove that its ONE LOVE® goes far beyond chicken fingers and Cane’s Sauce. And for the kids in the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood in attendance, Christmas came early thanks to kindness, community and a whole lot of holiday cheer.
For more coverage from Raising Cane’s events, click here.
