7.06.2004 ET

(CSRwire) SEATTLE, WA - Following the highly successful "We Are the Future" concert in Rome on May 16, Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX), Quincy Jones and his "We Are the Future" organization and Glocal Forum, a Rome-based Non-Governmental Organization, have come together to raise awareness and financial support for the plight of children in countries hit hardest by war.

More than half a million people were entertained by a host of world famous musicians during the six-hour "We Are the Future" concert, making it one of the largest concerts in history. Musicians included Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Carlos Santana, Zucchero, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock and 12-year old Karina Pasian. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie and Naomi Campbell also took the stage in support of this global, humanitarian effort.

As a charter sponsor of the concert, Starbucks will offer a live music CD compilation of selected songs performed at the "We Are the Future" concert on an exclusive basis from July 2 until August 3 in participating North American stores. Starbucks will contribute 100 percent of the purchase price of the CD to "We Are the Future." The CD will sell for $12.95 U.S. and $16.95 Canadian.

"We Are the Future," an initiative of The Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation, a 501(c) 3 charity, and Glocal Forum are working together to create child centers in war-torn countries throughout the world. The first child center opened in Kigali (Rwanda) on April 8, 2004. The next five child centers will be in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Asmara (Eritrea), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Nablus (West Bank-Gaza/Rishon Le'Zion) and Kabul (Afghanistan).

"Around the world, millions of innocent children are killed, orphaned or left homeless because of war" said Quincy Jones. "Last year we founded "Are the Future" on one simple philosophy: Give children the tools to create better lives and a peaceful world is possible. Abandon them, and the cycle of poverty and violence will continue."

"We are privileged and honored to be part of this humanitarian endeavor," said Orin Smith, president and ceo, Starbucks Coffee Company. "Starbucks has a long history of contributing to the lives of people in our communities. Our support of 'We Are the Future' reflects the heart of our values as a business, values that have been part of our company for more than 30 years."

"We applaud Starbucks leadership and its commitment to the children," said Ambassador Uri Savir, president and ceo, Glocal Forum. "It speaks to the integrity of Starbucks as a company that truly cares. Glocal Forum and the children could not have a better friend in the world."

"The concert that launched "We Are the Future" is one of the most powerful events I've ever been a part of, and it is a true privilege to have helped it happen," Jones added. "With the support of Starbucks, we are able to offer a recording of this major event to engage music fans and raise awareness for children living in war-ravaged communities. Please enjoy the excitement and the great music we experienced on that memorable night."

The "We Are the Future" concert was created by Quincy Jones 19 years after producing the legendary "We Are the World" recording session. The concert was broadcast globally in cooperation with sponsors: MTV, Yahoo and XM Satellite Radio. A DVD and book of the concert are expected to go on sale later this year. The live recording premiered a new song, "We Are the Future," featuring Karina Pasian, a 12-year old prodigy, who provides lead vocals backed by an ensemble of stars.

The "We Are the Future" concert was executive produced by Quincy Jones in association with the Rome based production company Zone Attive, and directed by award-winning director Julia Knowles. The "We Are the Future" campaign is the collective dream of Quincy Jones' Listen Up Foundation; The Glocal Forum, the nonprofit organization designing and implementing "We Are the Future" programs and founded by chief Oslo Peace Accords negotiator Uri Savir; the City of Rome, led by Mayor Walter Veltroni; and visionary leader for peace Hani Masri. Together in a strategic partnership with the World Bank and its president James Wolfensohn, the "We Are the Future" co-founders are working to improve the lives of children victimized by conflict. For more information about "We Are the Future," go to www.wearethefuture.com.

Starbucks Corporation is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with more than 8,000 retail locations in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. The Company is committed to offering the highest quality coffee and the Starbucks Experience while conducting its business in ways that produce social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in which it does business. In addition to its retail operations, the Company produces and sells bottled Frappuccino® coffee drinks, Starbucks DoubleShot™ coffee drink, and a line of superpremium ice creams through its joint venture partnerships. The Company's brand portfolio provides a wide variety of consumer products. Tazo Tea's line of innovative premium teas and Hear Music's exceptional compact discs enhance the Starbucks Experience through best-of-class products. The Seattle's Best Coffee® and Torrefazione Italia® Coffee brands enable Starbucks to appeal to a broader consumer base by offering an alternative variety of coffee flavor profiles.

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