New Year, New Charity, New Artist

2022 Charity of the Year – Oregon Wild

Welcome to 2022! I am so excited to introduce to you our new charity for the year! Just like we have done since we opened, we will feature a Tea of the Month and donate 15% of its sale to our chosen charity.

Each month we will focus on one of the many conservation programs that Oregon Wild is steadfastly championing and we hope you will be inspired to support the preservation of our beautiful state.

Three things to know about Oregon Wild:

  1. Founded in 1974, Oregon Wild represents the fish and wildlife, ancient forests, and rich diversity of public lands and landscapes that make this state so special. Oregon Wild supporters help protect and restore our wildlands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy for the future generations.
  2. Across five decades, Oregon Wild has successfully fought to protect nearly two million acres of Wilderness, over 2,000 miles of Wild & Scenic Rivers, countless endangered wildlife such as gray wolves, vast stretches of old growth forests, and essential ecosystems. All of these are integral in the fight against Global Warming.
  3. January’s Tea of the Month sales will help fund the fight to preserve Mt. Hood National Forest. It has been 40 years since there has been an update to the management plan for Mt. Hood National Forest. Congressman Blumenauer and Senator Wyden have been working on a new plan for the last 10 years.

Tea of the Month

mt hood medows loose tea in cupMt. Hood Meadow is a fruity and dreamy delicacy: Peach deluxe! Think fruits a la mode. Who can resist sun ripened peaches, topped with sweet vanilla ice-cream and lavender whipped cream? Absolutely to die for!

New Artists 2022

Isn’t the new poster incredible?!?!

I am thrilled to introduce the incredibly talented Aki Ruiz. Desert cryptid “Aki Ruiz” is a multi-disciplined animator, illustrator, and comic artist whose vibrant work tells stories of worlds in-between. He grew up in the eternal summertime of San Jose, California, and currently resides in rainy Portland, Oregon. He has a BFA degree in animation/illustration from San Jose State University, where he graduated magna cum laude.

Welcome Graham Schmidt, my other amazing artist. Nomadic house-hob “Graham Schmidt” has been a stylus-for-hire illustrator since 2003, working under the nom-de-plume “Grimmalkin”. He was first sighted in a Circle K parking lot in California, asleep in a handbag. For the next 30 years, his adventures took him up the West Coast to Portland, Oregon, where he earned a BFA at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. He is currently in Wisconsin.

Tea of the Month for February: Rose City

Rose City loose tea in cup

Community Spotlight for February: Adult & Teen Challenge

Our charity of the year, Adult & Teen Challenge PNW, is a one-year residential program with the purpose to restore hope and health to those who suffer from addiction as well as other serious life-controlling issues.

Every month from now until December we will feature a real-life testimonial from someone who has gone, or is going through, the program. This month we would like to feature Joseph Robi.

Rose City

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“In 2016 I was set-up by one of my childhood friends where I was violently assaulted and robbed at gun-point. It was at this time that my recreational drug use turned into self-medication. I developed severe paranoia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD from this incident. Even though I knew within myself that the way I was living was slowly killing me, my mental health became my favorite justification for my downward spiral…”
– Joseph Robi 

Give something special this Valentine’s Day!

Whether your loved one is far or near during quarantine, make them feel special this Valentine’s Day ❤️ We have two special Valentine’s Day gift packs that together support FIVE small businesses. They are all women or family-owned businesses, so your support means more than you can imagine. 

Introducing Our New Subscription Box

We have some incredibly exciting news! We would like to introduce our very own tea subscription box! Each month you will receive a package with the Tea of the Month, of which 10% of the total value will be donated to our charity of the month. You will also receive two additional samples of tea that pair with our Tea of the Month, along with a special jcoco chocolate bar that compliments our tea. We also have other little surprises that may come in the box, but you’ll have to get one to find out! 

Our boxes will start at $25 per month, but we also have a 6 month bundle and a year-long bundle where you can save money and even maybe get an extra gift or two… 😊 

They make great birthday and Valentine’s Day gifts! 

Tea of the Month for January: Winter Pine

Winter Pine loose tea in cup

Community Spotlight for 2021: Adult & Teen Challenge

As many of you may know, in the past we’ve paired teas with local charities in the hopes of raising awareness and trying to help our community.

This year we’re doing something a little different. Instead of choosing a different charity every month, we are sticking with one program ALL YEAR LONG. We will still be featuring different teas each month, but our program will stay the same. We feel like this way we can connect more with the programs to create a bigger sense of community.

Your purchase today of Winter Pine tea will directly help these youngsters.

Winter Pine

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At Cup of Tea we believe in the growth of our local community. Each month we donate 10% of the loose leaf sales of the selected Tea of the Month to a special organization.

This month’s tea is Winter Pine. Try it in our store or buy some online today

Holiday colors of red peppercorn and golden oranges make for a festive cup of green tea. This tea combination of smoothly sweet almond and refreshing orange will tickle the tastebuds.

Tea of the Month for December: Merry & Bright

merry and bright loose leaf tea

Community Spotlight for December: Project LEDO

Let’s get our celebration on by combining a limited edition tea and a charity that is good for kid’s brains 🧠

Little drummer boy, drum roll please! 🥁

When you buy Merry & Bright, a blend of all the good flavors of the holiday, chocolate and peppermint, we will donate 10% to Project LEDO 🍬

Project LEDO inspires Black, LatinX, Youth of Color, Immigrant and Refugee Children from K-8 in Title I schools to be science and technology leaders.

Through the after school LEGO robotics program, Project LEDO provides an opportunity for the students to have a safe and fun environment where they can develop a natural curiosity for science. These classes are tailored to reach students on different skill levels and are culturally inclusive.

Your purchase today of Merry & Bright tea will directly help these youngsters.

Merry & Bright

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At Cup of Tea we believe in the growth of our local community. Each month we donate 10% of the loose leaf sales of the selected Tea of the Month to a special organization.

This month’s tea is Merry & Bright. Try it in our store or buy some online today and get yourself a wonderful blend of all the good flavors of the holiday, chocolate and peppermint!

Ingredients: Ceylon black tea, white chocolate, carob, coco, and candy cane sprinkles.

But wait...there's more...

We have not one, but two new bundles on our website!

The first one is a highly requested set, we’re calling it “Chai Our Best,” which is exactly what it sounds like, it’s our best chai teas all in one box! Click here to get this bundle today.

Our second bundle is full of teas that remind us of home, aptly named “Oregon Tribute.” We love this set because even if you’re not from Oregon, or this is your home and you’re far from it, click here to feel all of the love Oregon has to offer.

Shop Bundles Here! Get them as gift or just for you to enjoy.

And, yes, our hit holiday Candy Cane Lane is back in stock!

Would you like to see some past newsletters?

Tea of the Month for November: Apple Pie

Apple Pie loose tea in cup

Community Spotlight for November: New Avenues for Youth

New Avenues for Youth meet youth where they are and help them get where they want to go! Join us to prevent and end youth homelessness.

Novembers’ arrival in the Northwest marks the time when we begin to prepare for the winter months, the holidays to come, and focus to get ourselves to the end of the year.

We picked Apple Pie to be our Tea of the Month to celebrate the harvesting season of apples, and all the treats we create in the kitchen during the month of November. Along with Apple Pie tea, we have picked the 20-year-old program, New Avenues for Youth to be our program this month.

New Avenues for Youth is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and intervention of youth homelessness. This program has serviced more than 20,000 young people. We will talk more about this program during the month but you can check them out at  https://newavenues.org/

In November 2020, your purchase of Apple Pie tea will directly help these youngsters.

So here’s the deal…

The shelters and drop in centers for support are running at half capacity because of COVID regulations. There will be more kids out in the cold and they will need your help! We have established 10 donation sites around Portland and we are asking for help to keep these kids warm.

We are looking for items such as socks, gloves, hats, large coats, sweatshirts for layering and basic hygiene products including feminine products.

Along with accepting donations at Cup of Tea, here’s a list of other donation sites.

Apple Pie

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At Cup of Tea we believe in the growth of our local community.  Each month we donate 10% of the loose leaf sales of the selected Tea of the Month to a special organization.

This month’s tea is Apple Pie. Try it in our store or buy some online today.

It’s dessert in your cup. Simply said, it’s Mom’s classic…Apple, cinnamon, and spice.

Ingredients: Rooibos, pineapple,papaya, apple, orange peels, cinnamon, rose buds, rose petals

New Avenues for Youth Donations sites

Cup of Tea
10117 SE Sunnyside Rd Suit J Clackamas

Ceramic Cafe – two locations
12056 SE Sunnyside Rd Clackamas (503) 698-5411
3205 SW Cedar Hills Blvd Beaverton (503)747-7278
https://www.ceramicafenw.com/

Clackamas Smiles
10001 SE Sunnyside Rd Suite 250 Clackamas (503) 786-3000
https://clackamassmiles.com/

Global Minerals
8145 SE 82nd Ave Portland (503) 901-8820
http://www.cartlandia.com/global-mineral

OsteoStrong
11211 SE 82nd Ave Suite K Happy Valley (503) 575-9845
https://osteostrongpdx.com/

Refugee Coffee House
9217 SE Foster Rd Portland (503) 477-7048
https://www.refugecoffeepdx.com/

Rose City Coffee
3370 SE Milwaukie Ave Portland (503) 400-4277
https://www.rosecitycoffeecompany.com/

Shampooch Dog Wash
11517 SE Sunnyside Rd, Clackamas (503) 855-4110
https://shampooch-dog-wash.business.site/

Sloan’s Home Solutions
Call to make advance arrangements (503) 987-1387
https://www.sloanshomesolutions.com/

Venvino Art Studio
13329 SE Misty Dr Happy Valley (503) 342-8644
https://venvinoartstudios.com/

Check out our Recent Newsletter

Or maybe some past newsletters?

Help us pick the Tea of the Month charity

Vote for your favorite charity

I so need your help!!!!!

Here is the deal, I am going to try something a bit different for 2021. Instead of having a different charity every month, I am going to have one charity for the whole year… So what I need from you is to help me pick the Charity (non-profit)…. I have included a link to a very simple form that you fill out with your pick for an organization… Please don’t leave me hanging, help me… I need input and community involvement! You are going to have to listen to me talk about this charity of the whole, entire year… HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE A SAY.

Vote Now

Tea of the Month for October: Aztec Chai

Aztec Chai loose tea in cup

Community Spotlight for October: Wildland Firefighter Foundation

The forest fires this year have devastated those close to the tea shop community and continue to spread across the west coast. Along with collecting donations for those who have been affected by the fires, we dedicate October to the mighty firefighter 🤎

We have proudly partnered with the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Their main focus is to help the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty, and to assist injured firefighters and their families. Since 1999 the foundation has provided emergency support services to firefighters and their families who often find themselves with few resources.

Your purchase in October 2020 will help say “thank you!”

 

Aztec Chai

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At Cup of Tea we believe in the growth of our local community.  Each month we donate 10% of the loose leaf sales of the selected Tea of the Month to a special organization.

This month’s tea is Aztec Chai. Try it in our store or buy some online today.

It’s a wonderful chocolate-y, spicy, non-caffeinated chai, perfect for warming up chilly October nights.

Ingredients: Cocoa pieces, rooibos, ginger, chicory root, barley malt, cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, natural flavor, cardamom, black pepper

Check out our October Newsletter

Or maybe some past newsletters?

Tea of the Month for March:
Magnetic Matcha

magnetic match loose tea in cup

Community Spotlight for March: Clackamas County 4-H Small Animal Program

Whether it’s a passion for rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry, cats, or even snakes and lizards, the 4-H small animal program, provides a place for hundreds of local youth to develop leadership skills, make friends, learn empathy, and connect with their community through the hands-on study of life sciences and the ethical care of animals.  

Magnetic Matcha

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At Cup of Tea we believe in the growth of our local community.  Each month we donate 10% of the loose leaf sales of the selected Tea of the Month. To a local youth organization.

The Tea of the Month for March is Magnetic Matcha. This light green tea matcha with cranberries & candied pineapple pieces is a tart, vibrant take on a Japanese Classic. Try it warm or chilled for a high caffeine start to any day.

Tea of the Month for February: Blushing Strawberry

10% of all loose leaf sales of our a Tea of the Month, Blushing Strawberry will go to Camp Yakety Yak. Camp Yakety Yak is an inclusive social skills day camp supporting friendship development in children with special needs, ages 5-15, and social skills in the work place instruction for young adults age 16-22.

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Our Charity of the Month for January: Friends of the Children

Anyone who has met me knows that I am a kid advocate through and through. It is an incredible privilege to be able to dedicate 2020 to our youth. Our first month’s program, Friends of the Children, is a very special foundation. We all know that what children need is consistency and follow through, and this is the core concept of this program. The mentors (friends) provide our most vulnerable children a stable relationship with a professional mentor for 12.5 years, from kindergarten to high school graduation, no matter what! If you want to learn about this program, visit Friends of the Children on Facebook or the Friends of the Children website.

Susie Q