Starbucks Surprises Young Women with a Very ‘Mary Christmas’ Treat

A Starbucks in Seattle offered a holiday special on Monday that beats any Groupon, free refill or 2-for-1 frappuccino deal out there: Mary J. Blige.

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul flew to Washington to surprise a group of 60 local women with a free performance of holiday tunes alongside producer David Foster. Starbucks closed the store for the occasion, and donated a portion of profits to the local YWCA, a national women's organization aiming to empower women and end racism.

"It was everything for me to surprise them, for them to not know I was coming or for them to not know what they were in for," the Grammy winner told King 5 News. "I'm filled so full with love because I got a chance to give back."

Foster added, "Mary saw herself in them, and they saw themselves in Mary."

The ladies in attendance were from the YWCA's GirlsFirst program, and totally overjoyed by the event.

"Apparently something's going to happen," one young girl said, giggling before the performance. "It looks like it's going to be really exciting."

When Mary stepped out in her signature bangles, the phones went flying, the camera's flashing, the smiles ablaze. Everyone was ecstatic.

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

Some of the women (who happened to be really talented!) performed with Mary.

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

Others broke it down solo.

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

Many took photos to post on Instagram #ChillinWithMaryTodayWhatAreYouDoing

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

The staff had to ask for autographs cause, you know….

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

Folks who weren't invited peeked in with joy.

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

But most importantly, Mary sang…

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

And sang….

Seattle Times
Seattle Times

And all that singing made all these women feel wonderful.

Photos by: Seattle Times

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