ST. LOUIS — Just in time for the Memorial Day holiday and summer barbecue season, the ever-popular, limited-edition red, white and blue Budweiser cans and bottles have arrived on shelves. This year marks an even larger commitment to helping military families—with Budweiser and its wholesaler family donating more than $3 million dollars to the Folds of Honor Foundation.
Now through August 15, beer drinkers can enter a code contained inside specially marked packages of Budweiser on Budweiser.com/donate to trigger a $1 donation to Folds of Honor, accounting for up to $1 million combined with wholesaler contributions for a more than $3 million total donation to Folds of Honor in 2014. With each educational scholarship valued at $5,000, Budweiser and its wholesaler network’s estimated more than $3 million donation will provide more than 600 scholarships to families of soldiers killed or disabled in action.
Since first partnering with Folds of Honor Foundation in 2010, Budweiser and its wholesalers have raised nearly $10 million for military families, accounting for thousands of scholarships across the country.
“The most important thing we as Americans can do is let military families know we haven’t forgotten the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made for our freedom,” said Major Dan Rooney, founder, Folds of Honor Foundation. “Thanks to the longstanding commitment of Budweiser and its network of wholesalers, thousands of people have been able to pursue their dreams and recognize achievements that may have before seemed impossible.”
Budweiser, with the help of its wholesalers, also plans to honor this year’s recipients with a series of personal scholarship deliveries via the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, beginning at the Patriot Cup golf tournament in Tulsa, Okla. over Memorial Day weekend, continuing on to San Diego, Calif., on Saturday, June 21, and then making their way across the country until they arrive at New Jersey’s Liberty Landing Marina for a special ceremony on Friday, July 4. The Budweiser Clydesdales will also help Anheuser-Busch honor military veterans at the 115th VFW National Convention, taking place in Budweiser’s hometown of St. Louis, Mo., on July 22.
Coupled with its donation to Folds of Honor, Budweiser is encouraging the rest of the country to join in supporting military families with a series of Charitybuzz.com auctions. By visiting the Folds of Honor page on Charitybuzz.com/Budweiser, bids can be placed on a number of exclusive experiences from Budweiser, including a go-cart race with Kevin Harvick, a foursome at TPC Sawgrass and tickets to such events as the MLB All-Star Game, Super Bowl XLIX, the Budweiser Made in America Music Festival and the 2015 Daytona 500.
“Budweiser celebrates America and our military every single day, but this summer is especially important as we welcome thousands of troops home from overseas,” said Brian Perkins, vice president, Budweiser. “Our ultimate goal is to make it possible for everyone to say thank you, whether it’s by triggering a donation to Folds of Honor with a case of Budweiser, bidding on an auction item, or attending an event with the Budweiser Clydesdales. The sacrifices made by our military and their families are deserving of a nationwide salute.”
About Budweiser
Budweiser, an American-style lager, was introduced in 1876 when company founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States’ first truly national beer brand — brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes. Each batch of Budweiser follows the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beer with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Budweiser is made using time-honored methods including “kraeusening” for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging, which results in unparalleled balance and character. The brand celebrates great times and has used the phrase “Grab Some Buds” in advertising since 2010.
About Anheuser-Busch
Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 47.7 percent share of U.S. beer sales to retailers. The company brews Budweiser and Bud Light, two of the world’s largest-selling beers. Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and has been a leading aluminum recycler for more than 30 years. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit anheuser-busch.com.
About Folds of Honor
FHF was founded in May 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 Fighter Pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, PGA Professional, and USGA member. A decorated military pilot, Maj. Rooney has served three combat tours in Iraq. It was after his second tour, while a passenger on a commercial flight, that Maj. Rooney witnessed an event that would profoundly change his life. As the plane landed, the pilot announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an American hero on board — Corporal Brock Bucklin. And his twin brother, Corporal Brad Bucklin, is accompanying him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while Cpl. Bucklin’s family receives him in his final homecoming.” Maj. Rooney watched through the window of the plane as the flag-draped casket was lowered. He saw a family waiting for Brock, and a little four-year old boy waiting for his father. This tragic homecoming inspired Maj. Rooney to create the Folds of Honor Foundation. To learn more about FHF, visit www.foldsofhonor.org.