Hugh Jackman Launches Coffee Company with All Profits to Charity

By Good News Network Friday, October 14, 2011

Recreation - Celebrities

On Hugh Jackman's 43rd birthday Wednesday, the actor followed in the footsteps of Paul Newman launching a food and beverage company with 100% of profits going to charity.

It was the Australian actor’s visit to Ethiopia with World Vision that planted the seed for a new coffee/chocoalate import business.

He struck up a friendship with Dukale, a local coffee farmer, after meeting his family and friends and working on the farm. Jackman saw how a community could benefit from the growth of a single entrepreneur.

"I was so inspired by what I learned working with him and his community. I made Dukale a promise to do my part to help," Jackman said in a video announcement.

Laughing Man Coffee & Tea is a fulfillment of that promise to Dukale, and the first venture launched by the new company, Laughing Man Worldwide.

A flagship coffee shop will open later this month in downtown New York in the Tribeca neighborhood (one of the coffees is branded 184 Duane St). One organization named to receive the profits is Harlem Village Academies.

Jackman, along with his partners, the father-son team of Barry and David Steingard, are wondering what the next vehicle might be for Laughing Man (with its slogan, "All Be Happy.")

You can also check out their products online at the website: www.Livelaughingman.com.

WATCH the video and meet the Ethiopian coffee exporter, Dakale: