Aaron Donald Teams Up With Raising Cane’s for $100K Donation to Youth Foundation
Aaron Donald receives $100K donation from Raising Cane’s to support his AD99 Foundation, helping underserved youth with education, sports, and the arts.
By Mark ElibertJune 3 2025, Published 9:25 p.m. ET
Retired NFL legend Aaron Donald is turning his post-football focus to philanthropy—and this week, that mission got a major boost. The former Los Angeles Rams defensive powerhouse was honored with a $100,000 donation from Raising Cane’s to support his nonprofit, the AD99 Solutions Foundation, which provides underserved youth with access to educational, athletic, and creative programs.
Donald, who hung up his cleats in 2024 after a dominant decade in the NFL, co-founded AD99 with his wife Erica in 2018. Their goal: offer kids the kind of guidance and opportunities that Donald himself lacked growing up.
“This kind of support means everything,” Donald said after accepting the donation at Raising Cane’s Burbank location. “It helps us expand and get more kids the mentorship and resources they need to succeed.”
The funds come from Raising Cane’s Graduation Plush Puppy campaign, a nationwide effort celebrating the Class of 2025. Proceeds from the $9.99 limited-edition stuffed animals will go toward youth-focused nonprofits like AD99.
Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s, praised Donald’s impact both on and off the field. “Aaron’s commitment to helping kids mirrors what we value—community, mentorship, and long-term change,” he said. “This foundation is a powerful example of what can happen when purpose meets action.”
Donald and Graves plan to reconnect at Fanatics Fest in New York later this month, where they’ll continue promoting the cause and celebrating the power of giving back.
