Sheryl Lee Ralph Partners With Sonic To Donate $1.5 Million To Public Schools In Honor Of Teacher Appreciation Week

She’s giving back to educators in a big way!

Award winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph has teamed up with SONIC, one of the largest drive-in restaurant brands in the U.S., to give back to educators in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Business Wire reports. Ralph has been a staple in the entertainment industry for more than 5 decades, just recently winning her first Emmy for her work in ABC’s hit comedy, Abbott Elementary. 

The show is produced by comedian Quinta Brunson and features Ralph as Mrs. Barbara Howard, a veteran no-nonsense teacher in Philly’s public school system. The comedy has shattered records and shined a light on the challenges dedicated teachers face within schools. As a result of the show’s fanfare, Brunson and the cast have found ways to support educators, including using a portion of the show’s marketing budget to buy school supplies. Now Ralph is joining in the big give back, partnering with SONIC Foundation to help educators get the supplies they need for their classes. 

This Tuesday, May 9th, the Foundation has committed to matching up to $1.5 million in donations to DonorsChoose, an educational nonprofit that allows teachers across the U.S. working in public schools to submit their requests for school supplies so individuals can donate directly. SONIC “will match 50% of each public donation to teachers’ requests on DonorsChoose with Ralph’s support in honor of Teacher’s Appreciation Week. 

“Public school teachers have dedicated their lives to inspiring America’s youth, and we must ensure they have all the tools they need as they shape the hearts and minds of our children. I’m thrilled to partner with SONIC Drive-In for Teacher Appreciation Week to encourage people to come together and thank our educators by making a small contribution to get them the materials they desperately need,” said Ralph. 

This isn’t the first time SONIC has invested in teachers either. Their Limeades for Learning initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from every drink, slush and shake to the SONIC Foundation which supports public education. Since 2009, SONIC has already donated more than $24 million to funding local classrooms, making them one of the largest public education donation programs in the country. In addition to the funding educators receive through their May 9th campaign with Ralph, educators can also enroll in SONIC’s Teachers’ Circle Rewards program via the SONIC App to receive a free cheeseburger with any purchase. 

“Teachers are facing unique challenges this school year, and yet, despite those challenges, they continue to champion our classrooms and seek out resources to benefit their students. SONIC Drive-In’s donation match on May 9[th] for Teacher Appreciation Week sends a clear, powerful message: we’re dedicated to uplifting our educators, and we have their back,” said DonorsChoose CEO Alix Guerrier. 

Learn more about Ralph’s Teacher Appreciation initiative in partnership with SONIC and DonorsChoose at www.Foundation.SONICDriveIn.com or text GIVE to 31869 to receive a direct link for donation from DonorsChoose.org.

Cover photo: Sheryl Lee Ralph partners with SONIC to donate $1.5 million to public schools in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week/Photo Courtesy of SONIC