Dutch Bros. Strives to Provide Strength, Hope, Joy, and Support

Introduction
Since the doors first opened in 1992, Dutch Bros. Coffee has strived to have a positive impact on their community. As the company grew, it enabled larger donations and awareness, which lead to greater community impact.

There are many organizations in which Dutch Bros. is involved. Organizations who share the same values as the company, as well as positively impacting one or more of the following pillars: youth, music, health, and compelling future.

Whether proceeds days are company-wide or locally run, all have an impact on the communities Dutch Bros. serves. When one takes a look at past events, health is an area the company has invested in heavily and will continue to contribute to because it affects members of the Dutch Bros. family and the community so directly.

Drink One for Dane
A company wide event, known as Drink One for Dane, raises money and awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, MDA. This event is held every year on the first Friday in May, in honor of late Co-founder Dane Boersma.

Dane was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS – better known as Lou Gehrig disease – in 2006. The incurable disease, which affects the parts of the nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement, claimed his life in 2009.

Over the past nine years, Dutch Bros. has donated nearly $1.8 million to further ALS research, create awareness and provide services to families affected by this disease. The money Dutch Bros. raises allows MDA to continue funding research to develop treatments for the disease that continues to devastate the lives of many.

This day began as a way to honor Dane and his legacy. It continues due to the love and support of the community, and celebrates Dane and all who have or are suffering from this disease. Drink One for Dane remains a way to raise awareness for ALS and honor a great man whose strength and wisdom are still seen at Dutch Bros. everyday.

“We are inspired by the outpouring of support from local Dutch Bros. stands and all of their customers on Drink One for Dane Day,” said Oregon MDA, Executive Director, Amy Ward. “Dane continues to make a lasting impact by providing help and hope to those battling ALS.”

Dutch Bros. takes pride in contributing to research development and family services for those who are affected by various diseases. Many Dutch Bros. locations participate in proceeds days, which allow Dutch Bros. to donate to local chapters of organizations, and also create awareness and community involvement.

Breast Cancer Awareness
Dutch Bros. has no problem “fighting like a girl,” and working toward early detection and a cure for breast cancer. The “Be Aware” mug was created in order to spread awareness and support Breast Cancer research during the month of October.

Partnering with the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in 2014 & 2015, Dutch Bros. donates $5.00 from the sale of each “Be Aware” mug to raise funds for Knight Cancer Institute and their research. To date this partnership has generated nearly $500,000, which is matched dollar for dollar by Phil and Penny Knight.

“We are deeply grateful to Dutch Bros., all of their customers and employees for supporting the Knight Cancer Challenge and the significant contribution their efforts will make in advancing breast cancer research,” said Lisa Coussens, Ph.D., associate director of basic research at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. “These funds will help us pursue the most promising research more quickly and, ultimately, bring new hope to breast cancer patients.”

Breast cancer is a disease that has impacted many people within the Dutch family and in the communities they serve. Dutch Bros. is fortunate enough, with the help of their customers, to be able to support research and facilities that improve cancer identification methods and the development of new cancer treatments.

Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish is a foundation to which many franchisers donate. Kids are the heart of so much of what Dutch Bros. does daily and Make-a-Wish is a perfect partnership. Working with local chapters, franchisee donations go towards granting wishes of local children battling life-threatening conditions.

The wishes that Make-A-Wish grants can be game changing, and provide hope and strength for the child. These wishes change the lives of not only the child who received the wish, but the lives of everyone who was involved in making the wish a reality.

“We are humbled by the generosity of Dutch Bros. and the community,” said Laila Cook, Make-A-Wish Oregon CEO. “This donation will make wishes come true for so many kids in our community and will impact our ability to grant a wish for every eligible local child – bringing joy to them at a time when they need it most. “

Over the years, Dutch Bros. has been involved with many wishes: whether it is donating funds to grant wishes or showing up, in full Dutch Bros. force, to support the child’s wish, Dutch Bros. is there to help provide joy.

Conclusion
Drink One for Dane, our Partnerships with the Knight Cancer Institute and with Make-A-Make are just a few ways Dutch Bros. is able to support and impact communities. Dutch Bros. is always looking to ways to support the continued research and treatments, as well as participate in events that create awareness and funds to support services and research. Whether it is company-wide events or individual franchisees holding proceeds days – Dutch Bros. strives to provide strength, hope, joy, and support to those who are affected.

Dutch Bros. might sell coffee, but they are in the business of relationships and positively impacting the communities and people that mean the world to them.