Friday, May 07, 2010

Pulling Shots and Serving Others

Baristas around the world team up with Coffee Kids to support coffee-farming families

Baristas from over 50 countries will compete for the honor of World Champion Barista at the 11th Annual World Barista Championship (WBC) in London, England, June 23-25. The event will also feature efforts to raise awareness and funds for Coffee Kids, an international nonprofit dedicated to helping coffee-farming families.

This year, the WBC will be held in conjunction with the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe Conference and Caffé Culture Show, Europe’s largest specialty coffee expo.

Special Coffee Kids/WBC efforts and events include:

• An online auction of coffee-related items that will begin in June. All funds raised will benefit Coffee Kids’ projects for coffee-farming families.

• A Coffee Kids Reception will be held Thursday, June 24 at 6pm. The event will feature a quiz show with celebrity baristas, an open bar and a presentation from Coffee Kids Executive Director Carolyn Fairman.

• A coffee map featuring 20-25 of London’s must-visit coffee destinations will be compiled and distributed. All participating shops will collect donations and raise awareness of Coffee Kids.

“The partnership with Coffee Kids allows baristas an opportunity to learn more about ways they can get involved in supporting coffee-growing communities around the world,” said Cindy Chang, executive director of the WBC.

More information on all of the events to follow soon! For more information on the World Barista Championship, please visit their website.