SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 1999-- Starbucks Coffee Company and Mark McGwire announced today that they have formed a special partnership to support literacy and children called ``Out of the Park - Into the Books.'' During the 1999 season, Starbucks, through The Starbucks Foundation, will match each one of McGwire's home runs with a $5,000 donation to a children's charity in the host city where the game is played. Further, the Company guarantees that donations will total at least $250,000 for the season.
It all started with a hat. Last season, before the fourth game of the World Series, McGwire walked into a Southern California Starbucks and asked if he could buy a Starbucks hat. Since the Company does not sell hats, the Barista gave McGwire the hat off his own head. He wore the hat to throw out the first pitch in Game 4 of last year's World Series. McGwire's appreciation for the Company's values prompted him to contact chairman and ceo Howard Schultz, paving the way for the ``Out of the Park - Into the Books'' partnership.
Starbucks and McGwire share a mutual commitment to help children - Starbucks through The Starbucks Foundation and McGwire through his involvement in numerous children's charities.
``In 1998, Mark McGwire transcended the game of baseball and captured the imaginations of young and old alike,'' said Howard Schultz, chairman and ceo, Starbucks. ``Starbucks is honored to team up with him in 1999 to raise awareness of the campaign for literacy and encourage children to expand their horizons by helping give them the ability to read.''
``Teaming up with Starbucks provides me with another way to reach out to children,'' said McGwire. ``Knowing that the company will donate money for each home run to help kids learn to read ensures that this season will be special.''
On Tuesday, February 23, Starbucks will be hosting a live online chat with McGwire at 5:30 p.m. PST. Fans will have the opportunity to chat with McGwire about three of the things he is most passionate about: helping children, Starbucks coffee and excellence on the field. To celebrate the new partnership and join the chat, log on to www.starbucks.com.
Started in 1997 by Schultz, The Starbucks Foundation is a non-profit corporate foundation created to support charitable causes in communities where Starbucks conducts business. Domestically, The Foundation focuses on literacy because Starbucks believes in the power of reading - to change lives, to combat poverty and despair and to involve parents in creating a better future for their children.
Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its retail locations in North America, the United Kingdom and the Pacific Rim, Starbucks sells whole bean coffees through its specialty sales group, direct response business, supermarkets and online at www.starbucks.com. Additionally, Starbucks produces and sells bottled Frappuccino® coffee drink and a line of premium ice creams through joint venture partnerships.
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