Let me give a plug for Laughing Man coffee, a company started by one of my favorite actors, Hugh Jackman. This morning I drank the Dukale Blend, which leaves a wonderful aftertaste. I also love Hugh’s Blend. Both are among the best K-cup coffees I’ve had. Tomorrow I’ll try the Columbian, which I think is new.

Laughing Man somewhat resembles Newman’s Own, the brand started by Paul Newman. In both cases, all profits go to charity, and a foundation oversees the charitable work. The Laughing Man Foundation focuses on supporting small coffee-growing farmers like Dukale and their surrounding communities–providing grants to build and renovate homes, college scholarships, new business projects, and more.

Hugh Jackman started Laughing Man after a 2011 trip to Ethiopia with World Vision, a leading Christian relief and development organization. There, he met a coffee farmer named Dukale. Jackman basically went into the coffee business with Dukale. He provided half of the startup funds, and donates all of his profits to the foundation.

Jackman’s main role was helping small growers like Dukale gain access to better markets for their coffee in the US and elsewhere. He says, “It thrills me I can use my profile for something that is genuinely giving back.”

Laughing Man seems to have a commendable philosophical framework–not giving handouts, but giving people a hand-up, opening doors, and providing resources to help people get over the hump in bettering their own lives.

Pam and I are fans of Fair Trade. Laughing Man doesn’t throw around the Fair Trade label, but they are very much in that realm. Laughing Man promotes fair compensation, ethical practices, sustainability, empowering women, a low carbon footprint, entrepreneurship, and human dignity.

Through April 10, the business side is donating to the foundation twice the amount it normally does for every sale of Laughing Man K-cups. I bought four 10-pack boxes today, all different flavors.