1.20.2005 ET

(CSRwire) SEATTLE - Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) today announced a major commitment of $1 million in 2005 for the improvement of parks throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. At a formal launch event attended by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, representatives from neighborhood parks and Starbucks partners (employees), Starbucks ceo designate Jim Donald shared the exciting details of the Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Program.

"Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Program reflects our passion for giving back to the communities in which we live, work and play," said Jim Donald, ceo designate, Starbucks Coffee Company. "This expanded program offers Starbucks partners, customers and neighborhood organizations a great opportunity to work together to improve the quality and vitality of the communities in Starbucks hometown."

In 2005, Starbucks plans to invest $1 million in two ways. The Neighborhood Park Grants program will award $450,000 in grants - 30 grants of up to $15,000 each - to community groups undertaking park improvement projects. This amount is a significant increase over Starbucks previous annual commitments of $100,000. In addition, these grants will now be available to neighborhood organizations throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Applications will be available in Starbucks stores beginning February 1, 2005

New in 2005, the Starbucks Parks Fund will focus on supporting signature park projects throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, with a total commitment of $550,000. These signature projects will be selected by Starbucks based on community need; there is no application process for these funds.

This increased commitment is a result of the outstanding community response to Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Grants program since its inception in 2000. Over the past four years, Starbucks has donated more than $400,000 in grants to 40 grassroots neighborhood organizations.

"We are delighted to work with Starbucks to create and preserve welcoming, enjoyable gathering places for all members of the community to enjoy," said Brit Kramer, Executive Director, Washington Recreation and Park Association (WRPA). "Parks groups throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties will be thrilled to undertake volunteer projects with Starbucks generous support."

Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Program celebrates the company's commitment to building community by supporting park improvement projects. Both parks and Starbucks coffeehouses serve as the "Third Place" between home and work, where people come to relax, socialize and gather together as a community. This shared quality makes for an ideal fit between Starbucks and parks.

More information on Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Program can be found at www.starbucks.com.

Starbucks Corporation is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with more than 8,700 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.

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