Durham, NC (March 31, 2006) – In conjunction with the 2006 Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Trade Show, April 7-10, in Charlotte, NC, Counter Culture Coffee is sponsoring a reception to honor Coffee Kids, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in coffee-growing communities throughout the world.  Open to all registered SCAA attendees, the Coffee Kids Reception will take place at 4:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, April 8, in Room 208A of the Charlotte Convention Center.

Reception attendees will meet Coffee Kids partners from Mexico and Central America, see the new Coffee Kids video, receive the latest information on Hurricane Stan, and have a chance to win a five kilo Praxis roaster.  Speakers include Peter Giuliano, Director of Coffee, Counter Culture Coffee; Bill Fishbein, Founder, Coffee Kids; Rick Peyser, Board President, Coffee Kids; Carolyn Fairman, Executive Director, Coffee Kids; and Clara Palma, Coffee Kids Partner, AUGE, Mexico.

'Coffee Kids has helped improve living conditions for thousands of families in economically challenged coffee-producing regions,' said Counter Culture Director of Coffee Peter Giuliano.  'We hope the reception in Charlotte will help garner more support for their important work.'

Founded by coffee roaster Bill Fishbein in 1988, Coffee Kids works with local non-governmental organizations to create education, health-care, training, and microenterprise programs for coffee farmers and their families.  The organization’s projects aim to preserve the cultural integrity of local partners, foster independence, and promote long-term self-sufficiency.

Coffee Kids relies on business donations for more than 82% of its operating budget.  By donating 10% of its 2005 Holiday Blend coffee sales to Coffee Kids, Counter Culture raised more than $5,800 for the organization.

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Founded in 1995, Durham, NC-based Counter Culture Coffee specializes in roasting and wholesaling premium specialty coffees for high-end restaurants, gourmet stores, coffee shops, groceries, and consumers with discerning tastes. Approximately 70% of the company’s coffee is Fair Trade™ certified, organic, or both. Counter Culture Coffee was named ROAST magazine’s Roaster of the Year in November 2004. For more information or to order coffee, visit www.counterculturecoffee.com

Contact:
Mark Overbay
(888) 238-5282
mark@counterculturecoffee.com