ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) – After over 30 years of partnership, Anheuser-Busch has declined to sponsor PrideFest in St. Louis this year.
According to Pride St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch has joined several other sponsors in reducing or ending its contributions, leaving PrideFest over $150,000 short of last year’s total.
“We found out in a meeting. They decided after 30 years they would no longer sponsor our event. That hurt us very much because we are all homegrown here in St. Louis,” said Jordan Braxton with Pride St. Louis.
Without the Anheuser-Busch sponsorship, Pride St. Louis is launching a fundraising campaign.
According to a news release, the #45for45 fundraiser is a community-driven initiative to commemorate 45 years of advocacy, support and celebration of Pride in St. Louis.
“While we are deeply disappointed that Anheuser-Busch has chosen to step away from supporting PrideFest this year, we remain hopeful that the community will step up where they have stepped down,” said Marty Zuniga, President of Pride St. Louis. “The #45for45 campaign is an opportunity for everyone, whether you’ve marched in the parade, attended our events, or simply believe in equality, to help ensure that these efforts continue for years to come. The community and our board are clear – canceling PrideFest is not an option.”
Pride St. Louis says every contribution to #45for45 directly supports the mission of the organization and the work it does throughout the year. Those who donate $45 or more will receive a commemorative 45th-anniversary lapel pin as a token of appreciation.
Donations can be made online at pridestl.org/45for45.
“Canceling pride is not an option. Anything we need this year, we have to be loud and proud,” Braxton said.
In response to Anheuser-Busch’s decision, at least one local business, Greenfinch Theater and Dive, announced it will no longer carry Anheuser-Busch products.
“It’s just beer, man. At the end of the day, beer should be for everybody. And it’s apparent that Anheuser-Busch is sending a message that theirs isn’t,” the co-owner of Greenfinch Theater and Dive said.
PrideFest will take place June 28-29 around Soldier’s Memorial Park in Downtown St. Louis. The Grand Parade, which is the largest parade in St. Louis, will be on June 29.
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