Peter Billingsley And Raising Cane's Turn Nostalgia Into Real Holiday Impact

Times Square transformed into a scene straight out of "A Christmas Story" this week as actor Peter Billingsley, forever remembered as Ralphie Parker, joined Raising Cane’s owner and founder, Todd Graves, to spread holiday magic to hundreds of New York City children. The Blast was on-site at Military Island as Cane’s donated 500 brand-new bikes and helmets to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, kicking off one of the brand’s largest charitable holiday initiatives to date. The New York City event marked the latest stop in Cane’s nationwide bike-giveaway tour, now in its sixth year, and delivered everything from Santa sightings to "A Christmas Story"-inspired props, including the iconic leg lamp, festive décor, and hot Chicken Fingers for families to enjoy. Kids also received limited-edition "A Christmas Story" Plush Puppies and digital movie codes, bringing the timeless film straight into their homes for the holidays. Celebrities, including Olivia Ponton, Tayshia Adams, Joe Amabile, Luann de Lesseps, Austen Kroll, and Rachel Fuda, were also in attendance to help celebrate the surprise giveaway.

Peter Billingsley Brings 'A Christmas Story' Treasures To Times Square

For Billingsley, returning to New York, where he grew up, made the occasion especially meaningful. “It’s so special to be back in New York City today because I grew up in this city and have many fond memories of riding bikes around here and now we’re donating 500 to Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, it’s a full circle moment,” he said at the event, in which The Blast was in attendance.

He also revealed that several beloved screen-used items from the film, his pink bunny suit, cowboy outfit, and Red Ryder BB gun, are being displayed publicly for the first time ever at the Raising Cane’s Global Flagship in Times Square.

After dinner with Graves during their holiday campaign shoot, Billingsley told him he still had those costumes stored away. Graves immediately suggested showcasing them at the flagship. “Todd came to the rescue and said, ‘How about the flagship store in Times Square on display for the whole holiday season for the world to see?’” Billingsley recalled. “I’ve always wanted to share it with fans, and we have the chance to be able to do that.”

The pieces were transported to the store by armored truck due to their value and cultural significance.

Raising Cane’s Founder Todd Graves Reveals The Heart Behind His Holiday Mission

Graves, whose holiday campaign this year is centered on "A Christmas Story," spoke passionately about the inspiration behind Cane’s fast-growing charitable tradition. “I feel very privileged by the success we’ve had,” he said. “My purpose is God made me good at chicken fingers to help people.”

He shared the story of Cane’s early beginnings, receiving the worst grade in his college business class, being turned down by banks, working as a boilermaker and commercial fisherman to fund the first restaurant, before explaining how giving back became a core part of the brand. “And then we could take some of that money we make and give it back in the community,” Graves said. “It’s just really, really a privilege.”

This year, Raising Cane’s will donate 4,000 bikes across nearly 30 markets, totaling $1.5 million in contributions. Sales from their plush puppy collection are also supporting pet welfare organizations nationwide.

Peter Billingsley’s Childhood Stories Bring Heart To Cane’s Holiday Giveaway

During the event, Billingsley shared childhood stories of riding through Manhattan, sometimes getting lost, often in the rain, and how those early adventures made receiving a bike one of his most cherished gifts. “I know from any of you, that best Christmas gift is a bike,” he told the crowd. “We are really excited to be able to share that with you.”

Graves echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how simple acts of kindness can spark lifelong habits of generosity. “What I hope all these kids… will do, they’ll remember that special feeling, and then they’ll pass it forward,” he said. “Do nice things for people.”

Boys & Girls Club of Harlem Says Bikes Align Perfectly With Their Mission To Empower Youth

Shaba R. Keys, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, praised the collaboration. “I feel like bikes are the perfect alignment to our mission… giving young people the tools and the opportunity to steer and lead in their direction and their futures,” she said. “Thank you so much.”

The organization brought dozens of excited children to Times Square to receive their surprise bikes, an unforgettable moment for many who had never owned one before.

Cane’s Takes Its Holiday Magic Nationwide With Nearly 30 Bike-Giveaway Events

With nearly 30 bike-giveaway events happening throughout December, Cane’s is teaming up with athletes, musicians, and celebrities across the country to spread joy to local youth organizations.

From Times Square leg lamps to BB guns under armored guard, from Santa selfies to brand-new bikes, Cane’s is pushing its biggest holiday campaign yet, all inspired by a film that has captured hearts for more than 40 years.

As Graves told the crowd, “Alright… how about some bikes, y’all?”