The beer giant Anheuser-Busch ended the sponsorship of the Pride Festival in his hometown after supporting it for 30 years
Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light and Budweiser, will no longer provide financial support to the St. Louis Pridefest, the city’s LGBT+ festival, which extends from June 28 to 29.
Bud Light was the subject of 2023 right-wing setback and a boycott after the brand had a partnership with transgender influenceder Dylan Mulvaney, which led to a down in sales.
According to KSDK, the decision has the non-profit Pride St. Louis, who organizes the opportunity, left and struggled to find funds. According to the outlet, other organizations also chose to make money.
The Independent reached out to Anheuser-Busch for comment.
This left the non-profit $ 150,000 short of 2024 funds. In a statement to the TV station, Pride Stl said the financing is far below expectations. The board of directors of the non-profit organization is now working to amend the budget to ensure that the opportunity remains safe and poignant for participants.
The organization hopes that residents will support the opportunity by donating to the charity.
“In response to this decline in support, Pride St. Louis humbly with the #45FOR45 fundraising campaign, a community-driven initiative to commemorate 45 years of advocacy, support and celebration,” said a statement released by the charity.
“This milestone is not just about Pridefest -this is about the work Pride that St. Louis has done for decades to raise, empower and serve the LGBTQia+ community all year round.”
Pride St Louis asks community members to donate on Pridestl.org/45for45. The event is expected to take place at the center of soldiers Memorial Park, with a large parade taking place on the 29th.
“Each contribution directly supports the mission of Pride St. Louis and the work it does throughout the year,” the statement continued. “Those who donate $ 45 or more will receive a commemoration of the 45th annual cloth as a sign of appreciation.”
Non -profit president Marty Zunig said although the lack of financing is disappointing, the event will commemorate the resilience of the LGBTQia+ community.
“The #45FOR45 campaign is an opportunity for everyone, whether you have performed in the parade, attended our opportunities, or simply believed in equality, to ensure that these efforts continue for years. The community and our board are clear – to leave Pridefest is not an option,” Zuniga said in a statement.
