Raising Cane’s founder and owner Todd Graves presented Luke Bryan and his family with a $1 million check on Tuesday morning (April 8) to benefit The Brett Boyer Foundation — an organization founded by Bryan and his wife Caroline, along with Caroline’s brother Bo and sister-in-law Ellen.
The 48-year-old country superstar, his wife and sister-in-law were on hand at Raising Cane’s, located at 7087 Bakers Bridge Avenue in Franklin, Tennessee, to receive the generous donation from Graves, which will help fund important research and provide vital support to families who need it most via The Brett Boyer Foundation.
“The Brett Boyer Foundation is a family charity, and I’ve watched this Foundation grow over the years from the support of people like Todd. CHD doesn’t get talked about enough, and the fact that Brett’s name lives on and is doing so much good for kids who need it helps us make sure no kid ever receives a diagnosis like Brett’s again,” Bryan shared at the event. “We know 36 kids who are alive today because of The Brett Boyer Foundation, and we want to see that number grow to thousands in the future. We’re so thankful to Todd and Raising Cane’s for such a generous donation.”
Graves and Raising Cane’s committed to a $1 million donation to the foundation, to be distributed in $250,000 increments over four years.
After learning about The Brett Boyer Foundation’s mission and story from his friend Luke Bryan, Todd Graves knew he wanted to make a difference in a big way. He first learned of the foundation and has since attended several multiple Red Bird Games at Bryan’s house and farm, which is a fundraiser for the foundation.
“I invited Todd out to the farm a few years ago, and he was so inspired once he heard about the Foundation, so that’s really how we became buddies, and then he so generously gave this huge donation,” Bryan explained. “Todd mentioned that Nashville and the Franklin community have embraced these Restaurants, and that’s a testament to him and the great Restaurants he builds. He has a charitable heart and the Customers feel that from him.”
“Luke and I became friends when I would go out to his farm and meet his friends and family. It’s amazing to see what he and his family have done with The Brett Boyer Foundation by taking something so tragic and turning it into something so beautiful, having already saved 36 lives and many more to come,” Graves added. “I want Cane’s to organically be involved in every community we’re in, and I asked Luke, ‘how can I support you?’ and The Brett Boyer Foundation was one of those things. I believe God made me good at Chicken Fingers to help people, and we’re using our resources, exposure, and a collab with Luke to collectively get the word out about this Foundation, raise awareness for CHD and celebrate the Down Syndrome community.”
Luke Bryan and Todd Graves also opened up about what the partnership meant to them. “So many times when people donate to a charity, they never know where the money goes, but this money goes directly to the families and kids with CHD. Not only is CHD not talked about enough, but people rarely realize the strain it puts on parents and siblings, and we want to help however we can,” Bryan continued. “Family is at the heart of this, and so many are in hospitals not knowing the future of their kids’ lives. It’s an enormous undertaking for these families, and knowing that The Brett Boyer Foundation can come in and help families worldwide is amazing. We started small and are growing!”
“My mission is to help Crew and the Community because at the end of the day, it’s not about what you make it’s about what you give back and partnering with Luke and The Brett Boyer Foundation to raise funds and bring awareness for CHD and celebrate the Down Syndrome Community is a beautiful thing,” Graves later added. “It’s easy to give money, but once you put the power of a brand like Cane’s and the star power of Luke behind something, that’s when you really get the word out and start making a meaningful impact. I’m so grateful for our friendship and to be part of something so beautiful.”
Todd Graves, founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s, is deeply committed to supporting local communities through partnerships with organizations like The Brett Boyer Foundation. Under his leadership, Raising Cane’s has donated over $140 million to date. Additionally, Graves has pledged an extra $30 million to support local communities this year alone.
To showcase his appreciation for Todd Graves’ generosity, Luke Bryan worked a shift at the Franklin Raising Cane’s location. During his brief shift, he acted as a Fry Cook & Cashier, serving customers at the counter inside the restaurant as well as in the drive-thru, under the guidance of Graves.
What Is The Brett Boyer Foundation?
Established in 2017 by Luke and Caroline Bryan, along with Caroline’s brother Bo Boyer and sister-in-law Ellen, The Brett Boyer Foundation honors the memory of Sadie Brett Boyer, who courageously lived for seven months while battling congenital heart disease (CHD) and embracing life with Down syndrome. According to their official website, The foundation’s mission is to fund CHD research, support affected families and healthcare providers, and celebrate the Down syndrome community.
CHD is the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 individuals and representing the leading cause of infant mortality due to birth defects. In response, the foundation has significantly contributed to advancing medical research. To date, it has funded 25 research projects across 19 institutions, including support for groundbreaking procedures like partial heart transplants. In 2022, The Brett Boyer Foundation funded research that led to the world’s first partial heart transplant, and since then there has been more than 30 partial heart transplants performed. The Brett Boyer Foundation is currently funding 7 additional research projects.
Beyond research, the foundation offers financial and mental health support to families navigating CHD, ensuring they receive comprehensive care. Additionally, it promotes Down syndrome awareness and inclusion through various initiatives. A notable endeavor is Brett’s Barn, a rescue facility established by Caroline Bryan. This sanctuary houses rescued animals, serving as ambassadors for the foundation’s mission to spread love and light.
To learn more about The Brett Boyer Foundation and all they do, visit their official website HERE.
