The Human Bean, a leading U.S. drive-thru coffee franchise, raised $575,640.87 during its 20th annual Coffee for a Cure event this October. Across all participating locations, the chain donated every dollar from food and beverage sales to support local breast cancer foundations. The milestone brings the program’s lifetime giving to more than $4.7 million, highlighting the franchise’s ongoing commitment to community impact and breast cancer awareness.
Since 2005, Coffee for a Cure has become more than a fundraising initiative. Co-founder Rhonda Hawkins notes that the event sparks conversations that encourage early detection and proactive care. “For 20 years, our customers and franchise partners have shown that this event doesn’t just raise funds. It opens up conversations that save lives,” Hawkins said, emphasizing the program’s broader influence beyond the numbers.
The initiative has also created tangible, personal impacts for participants. Cindy Jarrell, a resident of Medford, shared that a chance encounter with volunteers at a Coffee for a Cure location helped her schedule a critical mammogram appointment. She credits the event with facilitating early detection that prevented more severe treatment and underscores how community-focused campaigns can deliver meaningful outcomes.
This year’s event united The Human Bean franchise network, volunteers, and customers across the country. The funds will continue to support mammograms, diagnostic testing, and patient education programs through local breast cancer foundations. Coffee for a Cure demonstrates how a franchise can leverage its network for both social responsibility and community engagement, proving that even a simple cup of coffee can make a lasting difference.
