If there’s one thing Todd Graves knows how to do, it’s turn a simple idea into something that truly changes lives. On December 3, the Raising Cane’s founder and owner transformed the heart of New York City into a full-blown holiday dream as Cane’s hosted its annual Holiday Bike Giveaway — right in the middle of Times Square — for hundreds of kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem.
Amid the flashing billboards, bundled-up crowds, and nonstop NYC energy, one thing cut through the chaos: joy. Real, contagious, kid-lit-up-with-excitement joy. And honestly? You could feel it the second you stepped onto Military Island. And yes, Celeb Secrets was right there in the middle of it all.
Partnering once again with A Christmas Story icon Peter Billingsley (aka Ralphie forever), Graves helped donate 500 brand-new bikes (complete with helmets) to local youth, marking one of nearly 30 bike giveaways happening nationwide throughout December. By the end of the month, Raising Cane’s will have gifted more than 4,000 bikes across the country, totaling a $1.5 million investment in communities that need it most.
“For me, when I was a kid, I remember coming down on Christmas morning and seeing a bike — and it meant so much,” Graves shared during the press conference at the event. “That’s why we’re giving out bikes today and across the country — to have that Christmas joy. And hopefully, acts of kindness like this carry on. If we’re all nice to each other, the world’s just a better place.”
This year’s giveaway wasn’t just charitable, it was cinematic. Inspired by Graves’ longtime love for A Christmas Story, the event featured movie-themed décor straight out of the classic, from iconic leg lamps to Santa himself making an appearance. Kids were also surprised with limited-edition A Christmas Story Plush Puppies, digital movie codes to watch the film at home, and (of course) Raising Cane’s famous hand-battered, cooked-to-order Chicken Fingers.
Billingsley, who teamed up with Graves for Cane’s 2025 holiday campaign, called the partnership a full-circle moment — especially in New York City — where he grew up riding his own bike through Manhattan.
“I got my first bike right here in New York City,” Billingsley told the crowd. “I rode it through Central Park, sometimes got lost, sometimes got caught in the rain… but my bike always got me home. For so many kids, a bike is freedom.”
The collaboration runs even deeper. For the first time ever, Billingsley allowed original costumes from A Christmas Story, including the pink bunny suit and the legendary Red Ryder BB gun, to be displayed publicly at Raising Cane’s Times Square flagship, where they’ll remain throughout the holiday season.
During the press conference, Celeb Secrets asked Graves and Billingsley what it means to see a new generation experiencing the magic of the film, and this campaign, for the first time.
“It’s amazing because the movie came out in 1983, and it’s been passed down from generation to generation,” Billingsley said. “You’ll see grandparents, parents, and kids all together. The themes are timeless… family, love, and the magic of Christmas. That’s why it keeps going.”
Graves echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the bikes aren’t just gifts—they’re memories in the making. “I hope these kids remember that special feeling and pass it forward,” he said. “That’s what keeps giving.”
Adding even more sparkle to the morning were celebrity guests like Tayshia Adams, Olivia Ponton, Luann de Lesseps, Austen Kroll, Joe Amabile, Nick Barrotta, Rachel Fuda, and more — all showing up to celebrate the kids and the cause.
Ponton, who stopped by to soak in the festivities, told Celeb Secrets she was thrilled to support Graves and Cane’s. “Todd is a dear friend, and the event is adorable,” she shared. “Seeing all the Boys & Girls Club kids here makes it really special.” As for her Cane’s order? “The Box Combo with a Coke and extra Cane’s sauce… always.”
When it comes to getting into the holiday spirit, Ponton keeps things cozy. “I do a full Christmas movie marathon with my parents,” she said. “That’s how I know it’s officially the season.”
Adams was equally moved by the moment, especially standing in the middle of Times Square watching kids light up as they received their bikes. “This is one of the most special things about the holidays,” she told us. “We’re here to uplift the kids, celebrate them, and just give love. Seeing their reactions is everything.”
Now in its sixth year, Raising Cane’s Holiday Bike Giveaway has become a defining tradition for the brand, as its one rooted in gratitude, community, and purpose. For Graves, giving back isn’t a side project; it’s the heart of Cane’s.
“I feel very privileged with the success we’ve had,” he shared candidly. “My dream turned into a purpose, and that purpose is helping people. Whether that’s employing thousands or giving back to communities like this, it’s a joy. I get more out of it than anybody.”
Watching hundreds of kids roll away on brand-new bikes in the middle of Times Square — with Santa waving, cameras flashing, and Christmas spirit everywhere — made that joy impossible to miss. In a season filled with sparkle, noise, and nonstop movement, Raising Cane’s managed to stop Times Square and remind everyone what the holidays are really about: community, generosity, and the simple magic of a kid riding their first bike home.
For more coverage on Raising Cane’s, click here.
