``The statistics in this country are staggering -- according to the U.S. Department of Education, 42 million adults are functionally illiterate, and 40 percent of fourth graders show reading deficiencies,'' explains Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman and ceo. ``Mark is such an inspiration -- Starbucks is thrilled to partner with him to encourage children to empower themselves and their future through reading.''

Through the ``Read. Dream. Grow. Out of the Park -- Into the Books'' program, Starbucks, through The Starbucks Foundation, is matching each one of McGwire's home runs with a $5,000 donation to support children's charities in the host city where the game is played. Additionally, the Company guaranteed that donations will total a minimum of $250,000 for the season.

Started in 1997 by Schultz, The Starbucks Foundation is a non-profit corporate foundation created to support charitable causes in communities where Starbucks conducts business. Domestically, The Foundation focuses on literacy because Starbucks believes in the power of reading -- to change lives, to combat poverty and despair and to involve parents in creating a better future for their children.

Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its retail locations in North America, the United Kingdom and the Pacific Rim, Starbucks sells whole bean coffees through its specialty sales group, direct response business, supermarkets and online at www.starbucks.com. Additionally, Starbucks produces and sells bottled Frappuccino® coffee drink and a line of premium ice creams through joint venture partnerships and offers a variety of hot teas, brewed iced teas and bottled iced teas produced by its wholly owned subsidiary, Tazo Tea Company.