OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, announces the return of #ThanksTeach, a social media campaign tied to Limeades for Learning®, the brand’s award-winning philanthropic initiative that places much-needed classroom supplies and learning materials in public schools across the nation. For the second year, SONIC will team up with Julianne Hough to give thanks to hard-working, dedicated teachers with a $1 million donation to public school teacher projects and invites fans and guests to share the #ThanksTeach hashtag on social media.

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Since 2009, SONIC has supported and celebrated public school teachers through Limeades for Learning in partnership with DonorsChoose.org to provide teachers with essential materials and supplies to inspire creativity and learning in their students. To date, SONIC has donated more than $7.5 million to public school teachers, funding more than 14,000 classroom projects and supporting more than 419,370 students.

“Everyone has at least one teacher who made a difference in their lives and this month, SONIC invites our fans and guests to thank their favorite teacher on social media,” said Christi Woodworth, vice president of public relations for SONIC. “Every year, teachers spend more than $1 billion of their own money on classroom supplies and Limeades for Learning allows us to show our appreciation for their dedication to their students. We are delighted to partner with Julianne Hough for a second year for our second #ThanksTeach campaign during Teacher Appreciation Month.”

Julianne Hough worked with SONIC to fund nearly 200 dance projects created by public school teachers through Limeades for Learning in 36 states across the country, including major markets such as New York City, San Diego, Chicago, Indianapolis, Las Vegas and San Antonio.

“I am excited to team up with SONIC again to support and thank public school teachers. I’d love to kick off #ThanksTeach by thanking one teacher who made a tremendous impact on my life. Thank you, Tracy, for always being there and inspiring me to pursue my passion as a dancer,” said Hough. “Everyone can make a difference during Teacher Appreciation Month by simply using #ThanksTeach on social media. By doing so, you can help Limeades for Learning bring meaningful supplies to life in public school classrooms around the country.”

To learn more about Limeades for Learning and #ThanksTeach, visit LimeadesforLearning.com and explore public school teacher projects in your community.

About SONIC^®, America's Drive-In^®

SONIC, America's Drive-In is the nation's largest drive-in restaurant chain serving approximately 3 million customers every day. More than 90 percent of SONIC's 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. For 64 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. Since the 2009 launch of SONIC's Limeades for Learning^® campaign in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, SONIC has donated $7.5 million to public school teachers' classrooms nationwide to fund essential learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire creativity and learning in their students. 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 about SONIC's Limeades for Learning initiative, please visit LimeadesforLearning.com.

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