Dodgers fans packed the sidewalks of Sunset Boulevard on Wednesday morning as World Series champion Will Smith joined Raising Cane’s founder and CEO Todd Graves to celebrate the grand opening of the chain’s newest Hollywood location. Just days removed from helping the Dodgers clinch their 2025 World Series title.

The morning took an emotional turn when Graves announced that Raising Cane’s would be donating $100,000 to Smith’s nonprofit, The Catching Hope Foundation, doubling the original planned donation of $50,000.

 “Catching Hope is super near and dear to our hearts,” Smith said during the press event. “We love working with kids and giving them experiences they don’t usually get — whether it’s school supplies, sports equipment, or a day at Dodger Stadium. It’s all about making an impact in this city and for these kids.”

Smith also reflected on his unforgettable performance in the 2025 World Series, where he hit a dramatic 11th-inning walk-off home run in Game 7, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit an extra-inning homer in a winner-take-all World Series game.

“It was a crazy moment,” Smith said with a smile. “Coming around first, seeing the guys in the dugout fired up — that was special. I’m just glad I could get it done for the guys and the city.”

Adding to his October legacy, Smith became the first catcher ever to catch every inning, 73 in total, of a World Series.

“That’s a crazy stat,” he laughed. “It’s a lot of hard work, and credit to the training staff for keeping my body ready for that kind of workload.”

Now a three-time World Series champion, Smith said Los Angeles has become home for him and his family.

“We love it here,” he said. “These are the best fans in sports. You feel the energy at Dodger Stadium every night — it motivates us to keep winning championships.”

As fans lined up for a glimpse of the Dodgers star, the event showcased more than just a grand opening; it was a celebration of community in the city of Los Angeles.