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Sonic pledges bigger support to #ThanksTeach campaign

July 1, 2016

Sonic Drive-In intends to boost its contribution to brand’s inaugural #ThanksTeach campaign, pledging $15 million over the next five years. The campaign helps provide essential learning and innovative teaching resources needed by teachers.

Sonic pledged up to $1 million to DonorsChoose.org, through its Limeades for Learning initiative, when consumers shared or incorporated #ThanksTeach on social media posts during the month of May.

Sonic has been a supporter of public schools, teachers and their students since 2009 through the brand’s signature Limeades for Learning initiative, 

"SONIC's Limeades for Learning has had an astounding impact on teachers and students across the country," Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose.org, said in a release. "We loved the #ThanksTeach campaign and are so grateful for Sonic's $15 million commitment to support more teachers over the next five years. Sonic empowers and inspires everyone to be a champion of education, ensuring teachers and their students have the materials they need for success."

Significant consumer engagement drove the donations throughout the month-long #ThanksTeach campaign. Sonic donated $1 million to public school teacher projects in 15 major markets, including Long Island, N.Y.; Staten Island, N.Y.; Washington, D.C.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Oklahoma City; Salt Lake City; Portland, Ore.; Jackson, Miss.; Columbia, Mo.; Denver; Jacksonville, Fla.; New Orleans; Austin, Texas; and the state of New Mexico. From iPads to art supplies, the materials provided will impact nearly 31,000 students in 623 schools around the country.

“Thousands of students, parents, and even a few celebrities participated in our inaugural #ThanksTeach campaign, expressing their appreciation for teachers who continue to go above and beyond to ensure their students have the necessary tools for success,” Christi Woodworth, vice president of public relations for SONIC, said in a statement. “More than 1,000 teachers can implement similar projects thanks to Sonic fans engaging with our Limeades for Learning #ThanksTeach campaign.”