Todd Graves is putting his money where his mission is. The Raising Cane’s founder returned to the Manning Passing Academy for the fifth consecutive year, presenting a $25,000 donation to support one of the country’s premier football camps while spending time mentoring some of the sport’s most promising young quarterbacks.

The contribution was made during the 30th Annual Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, where Graves joined longtime friends Archie, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning in celebrating three decades of developing the next generation of athletes.

Todd Graves Donates $25,000 To Support Young Athletes

During the academy’s annual Friday Night Lights showcase, Graves presented an oversized $25,000 check to the Manning Passing Academy Foundation. The donation marks his fifth consecutive year as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, bringing his total contributions to the program to $125,000.

Since its founding in 1996, the academy has helped more than 30,000 young athletes improve their football skills while emphasizing leadership, character, and personal development.

Beyond the donation, Graves spent much of the day interacting directly with campers and coaches. Using the Raising Cane’s Food Truck, he served Chicken Finger meals while sharing lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey.

Among the notable quarterbacks in attendance were Texas standout Arch Manning, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, Tennessee’s George MacIntyre, Washington’s Demond Williams Jr., Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita.

Graves encouraged participants to dream big, work hard, and maintain a mindset that no one would outwork them.

Arizona Quarterback Noah Fifita Won Free Cane’s For A Year

One of the weekend’s most memorable moments came during the Raising Cane’s Quarterback Long Shot Challenge. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita emerged victorious after showcasing both arm strength and accuracy against fellow competitors.

His reward included free Raising Cane’s for a year, along with exclusive merchandise from the popular restaurant chain.

Todd Graves And The Manning Family Share A Longstanding Friendship

The event also highlighted the decades-long relationship between Graves and the Manning family. Archie Manning has frequently served as both a mentor and source of inspiration for the entrepreneur, helping shape his approach to leadership and community involvement.

Over the years, that relationship has evolved into a close friendship with the entire Manning family, united by a shared commitment to giving back and helping young people succeed.

The connection feels particularly fitting this year as both Raising Cane’s and the Manning Passing Academy celebrate their 30th anniversaries. What began as a single restaurant near LSU’s campus in 1996 has grown into a global brand with more than 1,000 locations, while the academy has become one of the nation’s premier training grounds for aspiring football players.

For Graves, the annual visit is about more than football. It’s about investing in the next generation and reminding young athletes that success, whether in sports or business, starts with hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to dream big.

Giving Back Has Long Been Part Of Todd Graves’ Mission

Supporting the Manning Passing Academy is just the latest example of Graves’ long-standing commitment to philanthropy and investing in meaningful causes.

In April 2025, the Raising Cane’s founder partnered with country music superstar Luke Bryan to celebrate a landmark $1 million donation to The Brett Boyer Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing research and awareness for congenital heart defects and Down syndrome.

The foundation was established in 2017 by Bryan, his wife Caroline, and Caroline’s parents, Ellen and Bo Boyer, in honor of Sadie Brett Boyer. Diagnosed before birth with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, Sadie Brett touched countless lives during her seven months before passing away.

At the time, Graves praised the foundation’s mission and emphasized the importance of using success to create opportunities and support families facing difficult circumstances.

Todd Graves Has Made Giving Back A Cornerstone Of His Legacy

The donation reflected a philosophy that has become central to Graves’ leadership both inside and outside of Raising Cane’s. Whether supporting children’s health initiatives, educational programs, community organizations, or youth sports, Graves has consistently used his platform and resources to give back to causes that make a lasting impact.

His continued support of the Manning Passing Academy follows that same approach, helping provide young athletes with opportunities to grow as leaders, competitors, and future role models both on and off the field.

The Todd Graves Honors 30-Year Friendship With Manning Family Through $25,000 Donation first appeared on The Blast