Giving back is part of Raising Cane’s culture, and this week in Cypress, Texas, that commitment was on full display. Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves welcomed Gena Norris and twins Dakota and Danilee “Dani” Norris for a special event honoring Chuck Norris’ legacy, while celebrating the friendship that has grown between Graves and the Norris family over the years.
The event served as the kickoff to Raising Cane’s 2026 National Chicken Finger Day campaign. As part of the celebration, Raising Cane’s pledged to donate $1 for every Box Combo sold nationwide on July 27, up to $1 million, to Kickstart Kids. In addition to the nationwide fundraiser, net proceeds from the Chuck Norris x Raising Cane’s merchandise collection through July 29 will also benefit the nonprofit. Chuck Norris x Raising Cane’s merchandise is available to order online here.
“Chuck’s legacy lives on through his family and through every student whose life is changed by Kickstart Kids,” said Todd Graves, owner and founder of Raising Cane’s. “Honoring my friend by supporting the mission he cared about most is one of the most meaningful things we’ve ever done.
“Chuck would be deeply honored to know his legacy is continuing in such a meaningful way,” said Gena Norris. “Our family is incredibly grateful to Todd and everyone at Raising Cane’s for celebrating Chuck’s life and helping carry forward the work that meant so much to him.”
While the donation was a big announcement at the press conference, it was the stories shared that truly captured the heart of the event. Each memory reflected the deep friendship between Todd Graves and Chuck Norris, filled with laughter, admiration and genuine respect. Hearing Gena, Dakota and Dani speak with such love and pride served as a reminder that Chuck’s legacy isn’t just remembered, it’s celebrated every day by those who knew him best. It was an absolute honor for us to hear those stories firsthand and witness the love and admiration that filled the room.
The partnership between Raising Cane’s and Kickstart Kids began in 2019 with a $100,000 donation, and over the years has grown into a shared commitment to helping young people grow through character development and martial arts.
The celebration also featured multiple demonstrations from Kickstart Kids students, as they put their skill in martial arts on full display. Dakota even joined in on some action with an instructor, and then again alongside Todd, Gena, and Danilee as they participated with the students for a martial arts demonstration.
As the event wrapped up, it was impossible not to feel the impact Chuck Norris has had on so many lives. From his remarkable career to the generations of students whose lives have been changed through Kickstart Kids, his legacy continues to inspire.
As always, Raising Cane’s One Love was in full motion, making it a truly “One Love-ly” day celebrating friendship, giving back and the lasting impact of Chuck Norris’ legacy.