Caribou Coffee Laces Up New Partnership with Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Adam Thielen

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Two proud, local Minnesota products will team up Monday Night in Seattle when Minnesota-based Caribou Coffee and Minnesota Vikings All-Pro receiver Adam Thielen unveil a pair of coffee-inspired custom cleats designed to support a cause that's important to both the brand and superstar player. 

Beginning today through Dec. 31, Caribou is partnering with Thielen and his foundation, the Thielen Foundation to giveback 19 percent of proceeds from the purchases of Vikings Blend to support and expand on the Thielen Foundation's current partnership with the behavioral health program at University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. Purchases can be made at Caribou Coffee locations in Minnesota or at CaribouCoffee.com.

"We're proud to support the Thielen Foundation and continue our partnership with University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital," says John Butcher, President of Caribou Coffee. "Adam's local roots, coupled with his storybook career and determination to give back are not only commendable, but inspiring. We can't help but catch the contagious nature of this organization and its mission to love, inspire and motivate local kids as they take on challenges many of us can't begin to imagine."

The custom pair of cleats will feature distinctive nods to Thielen's and the coffee maker's home state. The shoes will not only include the unmistakable Caribou antlers, but also the brand's "Life is Short, Stay Awake for It" motto. In addition, the heel depicts an outline of the state with the phrase "MN Made." The cleats were created by renowned artist Mache, who has designed all of Thielen's themed pairs this season including last week's nod to Minnesota State and the hit TV show, "Coach," a tribute to the comedy, "The Waterboy" and the classic hockey movie, "Mighty Ducks."

"Growing up in Minnesota, Caribou has long been my go-to coffee and it is [spouse] Caitlin's favorite, too," said Thielen. "I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with them this holiday season on a promotion benefiting my foundation. To bring our partnership to life through a custom-designed cleat for the Seattle game is perfect timing. It feels great to showcase the best of Minnesota while giving back to our community at the same time."  

The partnership with the star wideout aligns neatly with Caribou's current efforts to give back. Caribou Coffee Cares, which launched this fall, has been donating a percentage of every Vikings Blend bag and box of k-cups sold online and at Minnesota Caribou locations this season to University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. Caribou Coffee is also the Official Coffee of the Minnesota Vikings. 

About Caribou Coffee
Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee is the second largest company-operated premium coffeehouse in the United States with nearly 300 company-owned locations, 80 company-owned Coffee & Bagels locations in partnership with Einstein Bros. Bagels, over 120 domestic license locations in 22 states and 274 international franchise stores in 11 countries. Caribou Coffee provides high quality, handcrafted beverages and food options to fuel life's adventures, both big and small. Known for a commitment to sustainability, the Company was the first major U.S. coffeehouse to serve 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified™ coffees and espresso. Caribou Coffee products can also be found in grocery stores, mass retailers, club stores, foodservice providers, hotels, entertainment venues and online. To learn more about Caribou Coffee, visit CaribouCoffee.com, follow the coffeehouse on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Sign up for Caribou Coffee's loyalty program, Caribou Perks, at www.caribouperks.com.

Vikings Blend
The limited-edition medium roast blend is available in 10-ounce ground bags and 10-count k-cup boxes at all Minnesota Caribou locations and on CaribouCoffee.com. 10% of proceeds from Vikings Blend sold at Caribou locations and online have gone back to University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital since the launch in August 2018.

About the Thielen Foundation
With an overarching theme on youth development, the Thielen Foundation aims to create programs that serve, educate and inspire those in need so they're equipped and empowered to reach their full potential in life. The Thielen motto to "achieve your full potential" is a guiding principle lived out by Adam every day and is meant to inspire and motivate individuals to overcome challenges and adversity so they are able to tackle some of life's biggest goals.

The Thielen's have said that their love for Minnesota and its unwavering support of their family compelled them to give back. As a result, the Thielen Foundation was formed this year. The foundation's first partnership will specifically focus on the pediatric behavioral health program at University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, to help kids overcome adversity and serve as a support system for those dealing with mental challenges. Adam and Caitlin are committed to making personal visits to patients, participating in hospital events and providing foundation-branded recreation and personal comfort items. The foundation is also active with other local organizations such as the Salvation Army and will look for another key partnership to help serve and create additional programming for underprivileged youth in 2019.

About University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital:
University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital brings hope and healing to children and families by caring for one child at a time, while advancing education, research, and innovation on behalf of all children. By working as one health care team centered on its youngest patients, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and pediatric clinics create exceptional care experiences for children and their families in Minnesota and around the world.

LIFE IS SHORT. STAY AWAKE FOR IT.^®

SOURCE Caribou Coffee