Culver's restaurants across the nation continue to build support for America's farm families as part of the chain's Thank You, Farmers initiative.

In the second year of the program, Culver's has connected with people across the United States, spreading the Thank You, Farmers message through efforts: a larger-than-life Thank You, Farmers corn maze; three blue barns sharing a giant “thank you” to America's farmers; a nationwide coloring contest that gave young guests the chance to be featured in Culver's 2015 Thank You, Farmers calendar; and in-restaurant fundraising backed by the efforts of more than 380 restaurants.

In two years, Culver’s has raised nearly $500,000 in support of the National FFA Foundation, local FFA chapters, and a variety of local agriculture organizations.

"We're excited to see the enthusiasm with which guests have embraced Thank You, Farmers," says Craig Culver, CEO and founder of Culver's. "We're deeply grounded in the farms that produce the dairy and grow the food that have made our restaurant what it is. It's been a natural partnership since Culver's was established over 30 years ago."

The second year of Thank You, Farmers kicked off with increased education around farming and where food comes from in Culver's restaurants across the U.S. Participating restaurants pledged their support to farm families through percent-of-sales nights, a guest donation program, and event sponsorships—all benefiting local chapters of the National FFA Organization and other agricultural organizations.

"Thank You, Farmers has become an integral part of our story and is ingrained in our values and culture," says David Stidham, Culver's vice president of marketing. "We've witnessed firsthand the incredible energy and passion that these future agricultural leaders have for their fields. And we're committed to helping ensure they reach their goals.”