Teavana celebrated the first anniversary of its Oprah Winfrey signature chai this week with word that more than $5 million has been donated to youth organizations.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation receives a portion of all sales of Oprah Chai at Starbucks and Teavana locations. The foundation supports Girls Inc., National CARES Mentoring Movement, Pathways to College, and the U.S. Dream Academy.
Oprah Winfrey with the girls of Girls, Inc.
“Starbucks and Teavana, in partnership with Oprah Winfrey and organizations like Girls Inc., are investing in our future leaders, recognizing that education, training and mentorship are critical assets for youth across the U.S. and Canada,” said Annie Young-Scrivner, president, Teavana. The company is expanding the line with the introduction of Teavana Oprah Cinnamon Chai Latte. Customers ordering a chai received a second free through April 11 and Starbucks paid the foundation 25 cents for each cup sold or given away.
Oprah Winfrey recently visited with young women from Girls Inc. to discuss the importance of education. Some of these young women will be featured in a special Teavana® Oprah Chai TV commercial that runs this week on NBC during “The Voice” and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
“The generous support… has allowed us to both expand and deepen our in-school mentoring program, The Rising, which seeks to socially, emotionally and academically undergird the lives of thousands of the nation’s most defenseless children served by our volunteer army of mentors.” said Susan L. Taylor, Founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement. “This is a shining example of the collaborative, visionary leadership so needed in the world today.”
"Again and again, Pathways to College uncovers and nurtures potential where others may overlook it,” said Judith Griffin, CEO of Pathways to College. "The partnership of Oprah Winfrey, Starbucks and Teavana has put us on a trajectory that is changing the prospects of many children far into the future. Investing in Pathways is investing in America." Since establishment as an independent non-profit in 2003, nearly 2,500 students have been enrolled and 100% of graduates have been accepted by at least one college.
“We are grateful to Oprah, Starbucks and Teavana for this incredible opportunity to work together to make change in the communities where we live, work and serve. The financial support we've received has made it possible for us to expand our programs to reach even more young people with mentoring and academic support,” said Wintley Phipps, CEO and Founder, U.S. Dream Academy. U.S. Dream Academy’s newest initiative is focused on accelerating the reading levels of 3rd grade students using innovative and research-based reading strategies combined with positive youth development principles.
Source: Starbucks and Teavana
