Caribou Coffee Partners with CancerCare through Amy's Blend Campaign to Provide Support to Those Impacted by Breast Cancer

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBOU) today announced that for the 17^th consecutive year, it will remember its original roastmaster, Amy Erickson, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1995. Through its annual Amy's Blend program, Caribou will once again pay tribute to Amy by supporting men and women in the Caribou communities who are impacted by the disease.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120926/NY81155 )

As part of this year's initiative, Caribou is excited to announce a new partnership with CancerCare, a national nonprofit organization committed to providing free support services for anyone affected by cancer diagnosis. From Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 through Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, Caribou will offer its special Amy's Blend collection – which includes coffee, tea, and merchandise – both in stores and online. For those that knew Amy, her enthusiasm and zeal for life was contagious, so Caribou is proud to continue to offer the collection in honor of Amy, and to donate 10 percent of all proceeds from collection sales to CancerCare to support free services for those affected by breast cancer.

"Giving back to the community is at the core of our company, and we were moved by CancerCare's approach to providing support services, including financial assistance, on a very local and individual level," said Mike Tattersfield, president and CEO of Caribou Coffee. "We are very excited to work with an organization that will help those impacted by breast cancer in Caribou's communities to provide support for co-payments, home care, transportation to and from treatment, and other miscellaneous costs and needs, all while paying tribute to our dear friend, Amy Erickson."

Starting this Saturday, September 29^th, Caribou will also be encouraging everyone to head to the dedicated Facebook tab to learn about Amy and access valuable CancerCare resources. For every new "Like" on Caribou's Facebook page, the company will donate an additional $1 to CancerCare. For full terms and conditions, please visit: www.cariboucoffee.com/liketodonate.

"Caribou Coffee's generous commitment will help support CancerCare's free nationwide services for people affected by breast cancer, which include counseling, support groups, education, and financial assistance," said Helen H. Miller, LCSW, the CEO of CancerCare. "The partnership between Caribou and CancerCare is a natural fit, as both organizations care passionately about what they deliver."

On National Coffee Day – Saturday, September 29, 2012 – Caribou fans who present an official Amy's Blend coupon will also receive a free small cup of Amy's Blend coffee – a smooth, silky blend featuring citrus and melon flavors – all to celebrate the launch of the collection. The coupon will be posted on Caribou's social platforms.

To view the Facebook tab and see how much Caribou fans have helped so far, please visit www.cariboucoffee.com/amy starting on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

For more information on Caribou Coffee, Amy's Blend, or the special National Coffee Day offer, please visit Caribou Coffee's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cariboucoffee or follow Caribou on Twitter at @Caribou_Coffee.

About Caribou Coffee
Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee Company is one of the leading branded coffee companies in the United States, with a compelling multi-channel approach to their customers. Based on the number of coffeehouses, Caribou Coffee is the second largest company-operated premium coffeehouse operator in the United States. As of April 1, 2012, the Company had 585 coffeehouses, including 174 franchised locations, in 21 states, the District of Columbia and nine international markets. The Company's coffeehouses aspire to be the community place loved by guests who are provided an extraordinary experience that makes their day better. Caribou Coffee provides the highest quality handcrafted beverages, foods and coffee lifestyle items with a unique blend of expertise, fun and authentic human connection in a comfortable and welcoming coffeehouse environment. In addition, Caribou Coffee's unique coffees are available within grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, office coffee and foodservice providers, hotels, entertainment venues and e-commerce channels. Caribou Coffee is a proud recipient of the Rainforest Alliance Corporate Green Globe Award and is committed to operating practices that promote sustainability and environmental protection. For more information, visit the Caribou Coffee web site at www.cariboucoffee.com.

About CancerCare
CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1944 that provides free, professional support services to individuals, families, caregivers, and the bereaved to help them better cope with and manage the emotional and practical challenges arising from cancer. CancerCare services include counseling and support groups, educational publications and workshops, and financial assistance. All of our services are provided by professional oncology social workers and are offered completely free of charge. We help more than 100,000 individuals and families in all 50 states each year, and receive more than one million visits to our websites. To speak with a CancerCare social worker, call 800-813-HOPE (4673), or visit www.cancercare.org. 

CONTACT:
Blythe Posner
Ruder Finn, Inc.
(212) 593-6306
[email protected]

SOURCE Caribou Coffee Company, Inc.