Michele Clark High School seniors received an unexpected treat on Thursday when Chance the Rapper arrived to serve lunch from Raising Cane’s at their new state-of-the-art football field. The surprise event featured Chance the Rapper, known for his South Side Chicago roots, personally serving two-piece chicken finger combos from a food truck.
The visit was part of a broader effort to support the local community and promote the rapper’s nonprofit organization, SocialWorks. Inside the school, Chance added a special announcement over the intercom, declaring, “There is no homework tonight. This has already been signed off by Principal Anderson and now by Principal Chance the Rapper.”
In addition to serving lunch, Raising Cane’s donated $100,000 to SocialWorks, the nonprofit organization Chance the Rapper co-founded in 2016 with friends Justin Cunningham and Essence Smith. The donation will aid SocialWorks’ mission to empower young people through the arts, education, and civic engagement.
Chance the Rapper’s visit to Michele Clark High School was part of a larger community initiative. The donation from Raising Cane’s is aimed at supporting SocialWorks’ various programs, including the New Chance: Arts & Literature Fund and the Kids of the Kingdom summer camp. These initiatives focus on connecting and building community through creative and educational activities.
Since its inception, SocialWorks has collaborated with local schools to enhance student well-being. In 2019, SocialWorks partnered with Michele Clark High School to launch the My State of Mind program, which emphasizes mental health awareness. This collaboration reflects SocialWorks’ commitment to expanding its impact and addressing critical issues affecting youth.
“This $100,000 donation to SocialWorks will help Chance continue empowering Chicago youth and providing them with opportunities to thrive,” said Todd Graves, CEO of Raising Cane’s. “Chance and his team have made such a positive impact in the community, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the lives he continues to change through SocialWorks.”
Principal Charles Anderson of Michele Clark High School expressed gratitude for the visit and the positive message it conveyed. “Chance’s food truck visit was amazing and will hopefully convey to students that there are people who care about them,” Anderson said. “I’m hoping they’ll see that they’re not alone. A lot of times, when people are experiencing suicidal thoughts or having a mental health crisis, they feel isolated like no one cares. I’m hoping the message gets across that people care and we’re here with you.”
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The surprise lunch event also aligns with September’s Suicide Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of mental health support for students.
The donation from Raising Cane’s came shortly after the release of Chance the Rapper’s new single, “3333.” The song details his recent performance at the Minnesota State Fair, where he sold 3,333 tickets in a venue that seats 14,000. Chance described the outpouring of support as a reminder of the community’s backing and a sign of the positive outcomes that arise when pursuing one’s purpose.
“I feel like when you do take those chances to live in your purpose and be brave, good things come,” Chance said. “The fact that this [donation] is coming right after is a huge blessing to SocialWorks. It’s a testament to the community that we’ve been building and what we’re building around. It’s a huge signal that SocialWorks is doing great things.”
Earlier this year, Chance the Rapper hosted a spring concert at the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport to raise funds for SocialWorks. The theater, which underwent a $30 million renovation, now serves as an 1,800-capacity concert hall and events space. Chance envisions the venue hosting a variety of events beyond concerts, including comedy shows and theatrical performances.
“In terms of sound, house lighting, and the overall feel and aesthetic of the theater, to me, it’s the best room to play for that size for 1,800 people,” Chance said. “I think it could be configured in a lot of different ways, from traditional concerts to comedy or theatrical shows.”
Chance the Rapper’s recent activities highlight his ongoing commitment to supporting and uplifting his community, demonstrating the impact of collaboration and philanthropy.
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