The SONIC Foundation will donate $5,000 to support local education in each finalist’s hometown

This week, SONIC is buzzing with pride as a premiere sponsor of the Scripps National Spelling Bee® for the second year in a row. In celebration of the eight spellers who made it to the final round, the brand will donate $5,000 to support education needs in each finalist’s local community, donating a total of $40,000 to fund classroom projects through the brand’s partnership with the educational nonprofit DonorsChoose®.

The 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee is taking place May 28-30 in National Harbor, Maryland, and includes 245 spelling champions from across the country who have been battling all week for the ultimate prize: the Scripps Cup.

Powered by the SONIC Foundation, SONIC has supported public education for the past 15 years through the Limeades for Learning® initiative, which donates a portion of proceeds from every drink purchase to support local schools and teachers across the communities the brand serves. Now, SONIC is continuing its support of public education by celebrating the hard work of each 2024 Bee finalist with $5,000 donations toward literacy and spelling-focused learning projects at local schools in each finalist’s hometown through the SONIC Foundation’s partnership with DonorsChoose.

“The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an iconic event that has been promoting the importance of literacy for nearly a century,” said Stuart Brown, Vice President and Executive Director of the SONIC Foundation. “There’s a natural connection between the SONIC Foundation and the Spelling Bee, with a passion for education serving as a driving force for both organizations. It is a privilege to honor each finalist in a way that directly improves education in their communities. Who knows – it could even help other students in their hometowns become future Spelling Bee champions one day!”

Since 2009, SONIC has donated more than $27 million to fund local classrooms, becoming one of the largest programs to support public education in the U.S. Guests can join SONIC in supporting teachers and students by ordering their favorite drink at the drive-in. Every time guests purchase a drink, slush, blast or shake, SONIC donates a portion of proceeds to the SONIC Foundation, which supports public education through Limeades for Learning.* Teachers, faculty and staff at any K-12 or degree-granting university can also sign up for SONIC Teachers’ Circle in the SONIC App and start receiving exclusive rewards.**

*SONIC donates a portion of every Drink, Slush, Blast, or Shake purchase to the SONIC Foundation, which is used to support local schools across the communities SONIC serves through partners like DonorsChoose. The SONIC Foundation is a division of the Inspire Brands Foundation. For more information about the SONIC Foundation, visit foundation.sonicdrivein.com.

**To join SONIC Teachers’ Circle, download the SONIC App, create an account, open your account settings by tapping the profile icon in the top right of the app, then tap “Account,” then select “I’m a Teacher” and provide your information. 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.