Support for the Orlando Community

Update June 15, 4:36 p.m.

Over the past few days, many partners have reached out with words of encouragement and asked how they can help our partners and community in Orlando. Our Orlando partners are grateful for the outpouring of care and compassion from around the country. 

To support the Orlando community during this difficult time, the Starbucks Foundation has contributed $50,000 to the OneOrlando Fund, launched by the City of Orlando’s Mayor Buddy Dyer, to help people and families affected by the shooting.

For partners who want to help, you can make a contribution to the following organizations to support the survivors and families impacted by this tragedy:

Partners are invited to make a contribution to the OneOrlando Fund.

The Center Orlando has launched a GoFundMe to assist in paying the medical bills and other needs of the victims: Pulse Victims Fund.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and desire to help. We appreciate everyone who has reached out to support the Orlando community.

Update June 13, 2:00 p.m.

We are heartbroken by the news that we have lost a partner (employee) as a result of this weekend’s tragedy in Orlando while another partner remains in critical condition – both have been Target employees wearing the green apron as licensed-store associates.

Starbucks stands in solidarity and support of our friends at Target, where we are proud to say these two partners have worn the green apron. In times like these we need to band together to rise above hatred, indifference, and cowardice, and find solace and compassion among one another.

Our hearts and prayers remain with those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.

June 12, 5:04 p.m. The following message from Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman and ceo, was sent to all partners (employees) 

Dear partners,

The horrific events that unfolded in Orlando have left so many of us saddened, outraged and confused.  I've struggled to find the words to express my own emotions, and I know you will join me in extending condolences to the people of Orlando and to the entire LGBTQ community who have been directly or indirectly affected by this unimaginable tragedy. 

There is still much that we don't know about these events. As I write this, we have every indication that our partners are all safe and accounted for, but we have been saddened to learn that some have friends who were killed or injured in the shooting.  We are providing support assistance to local partners, and will have extra managers at our nearby store to help cover shifts and other needs as necessary.  

We join the country in trying to make sense of such senseless violence. It is in times like this, however, that I am reminded of the power of our supportive and inclusive culture, one in which we band together to rise above hatred, indifference, and cowardice, and find solace and compassion among one another, within our community.  We must choose unity over divisiveness.  And love over hatred.

Our thoughts and our prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.  As always, I am proud to be your partner.

Howard