Special Event to Take Place at Starbucks in Deerfield Beach on Sept. 21; Actress & Activist Sharon Stone Provides Rising Tide’s Pre-Taped Introduction

Rising Tide Car Wash, a groundbreaking social enterprise and high-quality car wash experience located in Parkland, Florida, was selected to be featured as one of 10 nationwide stories of humanity on “Upstanders,” Starbucks’ first original content series. The series, which aims to inspire Americans to engage in acts of compassion, citizenship and civility, features various stories, each told in written, video and podcast form, about ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create positive change in their communities.

Rising Tide’s “Upstanders” story

With a primary mission to empower individuals with autism to build a career/full life through employment, Rising Tide employs 35 individuals at its Parkland location. In late 2016/early 2017, Rising Tide is opening a second location, 1½ times larger than the first, in Margate, Florida, enabling the company to employ a total of 90 individuals with autism. It is one of the largest employers of people with autism in the U.S.

John D’Eri, CEO and co-founder of Rising Tide, will participate in a special event, along with Starbucks Executive Producer Rajiv Chandrasekaran and members of the community, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1–2 p.m. at Starbucks, located at 3349 West Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach. D’Eri will discuss with Chandrasekaran how opening a car wash changed his life and the lives of individuals with autism.

Actress and activist Sharon Stone pre-taped the introduction, viewable at www.facebook.com/sharonstoneofficial/?hc_ref=PAGES... to Rising Tide’s story. The series is written and produced by Chandrasekaran and Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman and CEO.

The series is distributed via the Starbucks mobile app, and online at Starbucks.com/Upstanders. Audio versions of each story that will launch weekly through downloadable podcasts are also accessible through the site. In addition, the series can be viewed on Starbucks’ in-store digital network.

“We are extremely proud to have been chosen for the ‘Upstanders’ series,” said D’Eri. “Since our 2013 launch, we have made a positive impact on our associates, helping them to realize their incredible capabilities, gain confidence that they never had before, make friends, gain financial independence, and have a place to call their own.”

“We’ve asked ourselves what is the role and responsibility of a public company and, as citizens, how we can catalyze hope in a time when we need more optimism, empathy, compassion and leadership,” said Schultz. “The upstanders featured in this series are inspiring individuals whose actions are emblematic of the American spirit and what is missing from so much of today’s national dialogue. We have always been storytellers at heart, and more of these stories need to be heard. We are using our scale to share them as broadly as possible.”

About Rising Tide Car Wash

Rising Tide Car Wash is a scalable social enterprise with the primary mission to employ adults with autism. By delivering a first-rate car wash experience to the consumer, Rising Tide strives to inspire communities to change their perception of the capabilities of people with autism. Through intensive training, team building and caring for the community, Rising Tide sets its employees up for success. With this model, Rising Tide has a goal to provide people with autism with an opportunity to build a career and achieve an independent lifestyle. Rising Tide Car Wash is located at 7201 N. State Rd 7, Parkland, FL 33067. A second location at 2970 N. State Rd 7 in Margate, Florida is due to open in late 2016/early 2017. Rising Tide is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. For more information, visit www.risingtidecarwash.com, call (954) 344-1855 or email info@risingtidecarwash.com.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through its unwavering commitment to excellence and its guiding principles, it brings the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit Starbucks in its stores or online at www.starbucks.com.