SONIC Drive-In Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day with $1.5 Million Donation to Local Public Schools and Free Cheeseburgers, with Purchase, for Teachers

Funded Through Drink Sales, SONIC’s Limeades for Learning Program Continues Partnership with National Education Nonprofit DonorsChoose

OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 3^rd, SONIC Drive-In will match up to $1.5 million in donations to DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers. SONIC is also thanking teachers by offering a free cheeseburger with purchase to all enrolled in the SONIC Teachers’ Circle, a free rewards program exclusively for educators available through the SONIC App.*

Funded through every drink purchase,** SONIC’s Limeades for Learning has donated more than $20 million to funding local classrooms since its inception 13 years ago, becoming one of the largest programs to support public education in the U.S.

Through the brand’s longstanding partnership with DonorsChoose, SONIC guests have helped to bring to life requests from more than 30,000 teachers, impacting more than six million students nationwide. Classroom requests range from basic needs like writing supplies and new books to help students develop a love of reading, to more innovative requests such as providing butterfly cocoons and robotics kits for engaging science lessons.

“Limeades for Learning is an initiative that SONIC holds dear and we’re proud to partner with DonorsChoose on this important work,” Lori Abou Habib, Chief Marketing Officer of SONIC noted. “Through Limeades for Learning, every drink purchase at SONIC not only brings joy to our guests, but also students and teachers in the classroom. It's our way of saying 'thank you' to the teachers who truly make a difference and impact so many children's lives.”

During Teacher Appreciation Day, SONIC will match 50% of each donation to teachers’ requests on DonorsChoose, up to $1.5 million. SONIC fans and guests can visit DonorsChoose.org, where thousands of teachers have posted requests seeking support to engage students with classroom resources.

“Research shows that funding a teacher’s project through DonorsChoose makes them significantly more likely to continue teaching, and SONIC understands how important it is to empower these educators by providing the extra resources they need in their classrooms,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “SONIC’s commitment for Teacher Appreciation Day will fund thousands of programs, support numerous teachers, and enrich the education of so many students around the U.S.”

To further show their appreciation for educators, SONIC is offering all enrolled in SONIC’s Teachers’ Circle Rewards program a free cheeseburger* with purchase beginning May 3. Any teacher, faculty or staff at a K-12 or degree-granting university can use the SONIC App to sign up for Teachers’ Circle and start receiving additional rewards today.

Since 2009, SONIC’s Limeades for Learning program has contributed more than $20 million to directly fund local education programs. Visit DonorsChoose.org and donate to one or more of the thousands of public school teacher requests seeking support to provide students with educational resources.

*Reward is valid one time May 3-17, 2022 for one free SONIC Cheeseburger with any purchase online or in the SONIC App as a registered user. One reward will be issued directly to the SONIC App account of each member fully verified in Teachers’ Circle by May 2, 2022. To join SONIC Teachers’ Circle, download the SONIC app, register, open your account settings by tapping your profile icon on the bottom left of the app, then tap your name to open account settings. Under “Account,” select “I’m A Teacher” and provide your information to sign up. The program is available to educators employed by K-12 schools and colleges/universities in the United States. Once verified, Teachers’ Circle members will receive exclusive discounts and offers within the app, only available to teachers.

**SONIC donates one cent to nonprofit partner DonorsChoose for every cup sold at participating Drive-In locations, which is used to fund classroom needs submitted by teachers across the U.S.

About SONIC® Drive-In

SONIC, founded in 1953, is the largest drive-in restaurant brand in the United States with more than 3,500 restaurants in 46 states. Served by SONIC’s iconic Carhops, the restaurant’s expansive, award-winning menu offers unique, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and drink options for the whole family. SONIC is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit SonicDriveIn.com and InspireBrands.com