Sonic Has “Spirit” for GC

On Sept. 29, the Sassy Cats, Georgia College’s coed dance team, gathered together at the local Sonic Drive-In to host Spirit Night.

The event took place to help the Sassy Cats raise money to help attend the nationals competition. Money made from items sold during the event will be donated to the organization, at no cost to the athletes.

“I think Sonic Spirit Night is a great way for Georgia College to raise money for the athletic teams,” sophomore education major Emily Chatlen said. “It is a fun environment to hang out with friends, and the food is delicious.”

The dance team, however, is not the only extra curricular group Sonic voluntarily supports, the eatery willingly offers its time and assistance to any GC-affiliated group in need.

Sonic manager Ross Waller believes that his establishment’s relationship with GC is a positive situation for everyone involved.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved,” Waller said. “Giving back is a good thing.”

Though he has no formal ties to the university, Waller understands the importance of community support and participation when it comes to education.

“Most of my employees are Georgia College students,” he said of his restaurant’s staff.

Waller also knows of the high value the university has to the community and economy of Milledgeville.

“I think the college is great for the community,” he said.

Sonic employee, Emilee Faircloth agrees with her manager. Though she is not a GC student, she believes her employers’ relationship with GC brings entertainment and positivity to her workplace.

“We have a lot of college kids up here; it’s fun,” Faircloth said. “A lot of the same people come to the events and you really get to know them.”

It’s a well known fact that college students are on a tight budget, but Sonic attempts to remain affordable through value menu options, coupons and promotions, such as daily “Happy Hour,” when drinks are all half priced. At GC events, Faircloth and the other employees pass out coupons to students and their friends, and the homework friendly, wireless-Internet-equipped restaurant accepts CatCash.

Waller hopes this type of promotion, combined with student communication at school and over social networks like Facebook, will bring in customers and ensure students’ awareness of the supportive community they have behind them.

“If you can get the community to support you, that goes a long way,” Waller said.

Freshman undeclared major Charlotte Gwynn has not attended a GC event at Sonic because of a lack of information.

“I hadn’t heard of Spirit Night or any other event at Sonic, but I would definitely be interested in going,” she said.

“It sounds like a great way to support the school and have fun,” Gwynn continued.

As long as Waller has a say in the matter, Gwynn and other students will have a chance to get together, relax and support their college at Sonic.

Sonic is also home to weekly fundraising efforts for the recreational sports departments on Tuesday’s from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“If it’s tied to the school, we’ll do it,” he said.

Students can check the online GC calendar and Facebook for information on upcoming events and activities.

“Going to spirit night to support Georgia College allows me to support the school while also eating great food,” sophomore nursing major Sammy Seay said. “The tots really turn a frown upside down.”

Posted by TristanHarrison on Oct 6 2011. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.