Today, SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, announced the impact of the brand’s inaugural #ThanksTeach campaign in partnership with Julianne Hough during Teacher Appreciation Month to fund essential learning and innovative teaching resources requested by teachers. SONIC pledged to contribute 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.

Significant consumer engagement drove the donations throughout the month-long #ThanksTeach campaign, and 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 entire state of New Mexico. From iPads to art supplies, the materials provided by these funds will go on to 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,” said Christi Woodworth, vice president of public relations for SONIC. “Because of their engagement, Ms. Bizzarro in New York can now offer her students with disabilities engaging skill-based math games and other educational tools to establish the creative, multi-sensory learning environment they need. More than 1,000 other teachers can also implement similar projects thanks to SONIC fans engaging with our Limeades for Learning #ThanksTeach campaign.”

A supporter of public schools, teachers and their students since 2009 through the brand’s signature Limeades for Learning initiative, SONIC Drive-In also announced it will significantly increase its contribution to the program, committing $15 million over the next five years. In partnership with DonorsChoose.org, the national award-winning cause marketing campaign funds necessary learning materials and teaching resources requested by teachers that instill a thirst for knowledge and inspire creative thinking in their students.

"SONIC's Limeades for Learning has had an astounding impact on teachers and students across the country," said Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose.org. "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."

This new commitment more than triples the brand’s previous Limeades for Learning support to schools, having donated more than $5 million over the past seven years to 10,000 teacher projects and impacting 283,490 students in 993 cities across the U.S. during that timeframe.

To learn more about #ThanksTeach and Limeades for Learning, visit LimeadesforLearning.com. SONIC’s annual Limeades for Learning fall voting campaign will return in late September. Any teachers interested in submitting a project for potential SONIC funding can register at LimeadesforLearning.com.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC, America’s Drive-In is the nation's largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. Over more than 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. Since the 2009 launch of SONIC’s Limeades for Learning philanthropic campaign in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, SONIC has donated more than $5 million to public school teachers nationwide to fund essential learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire creativity and learning in today's youth. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com and please visit or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about SONIC’s Limeades for Learning initiative, please visit Limeadesforlearning.com.

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