Microsoft Opens Stanford Store, Donates $1 Million to Local Groups

Thousands of people converged at the newly opened Microsoft Store at Thursday morning, where executives annouced $1 million in gifts to local groups.

The Microsoft Store grand opening kicked off a weekend of activity. Jerry Rice will be at the store Thursday afternoon.

Software donations were presented by Microsoft Corporate Vice President Dan’l Lewin to the MVLA High School Foundation,  the Ravenswood Education Foundation (REF), the Level Playing Field Institute (LPFI), and Raising Interest in Science & Engineering (RISE).

The four organizations were selected via a popular vote on the store’s Facebook page, and were focused on local groups that offer youth empowerment opportunities through technology, training and experiences.

Palo Alto City Council Member Sid Espinosa, who is also director of corporate citizenship at Microsoft, was also on hand for the grand opening.

Saturday, the store’s grand opening continues with a 2 p.m. concert by Maroon 5. The show will be held off of Sweet Olive Way near Macy’s, and the first 200 people in line for the show will each get two tickets and an opportunity to meet the band after the show, according to Microsoft’s website. The next 800-plus people in line will also get tickets.