Relief Efforts Continue

ST. LOUIS

The Anheuser-Busch Foundation, the charitable arm of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., and the company's independent beer distributors are donating $7.4 million to various relief funds to help the people in need following the terrorist attacks. The donations bring the total amount contributed by the company's foundation and its distributors to $8.4 million.

"We keep the victims and survivors in our thoughts," said John E. Jacob, executive vice president and chief communications officer, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. "We can do no less than answer the call to help those who have been devastated by these horrible events."

The New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund will receive $5.2 million, including $4.2 million from the company's independent distributors and $1 million from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation. The foundation is also donating $1 million to the Survivors' Fund in Washington, $1 million to the United Way's September 11th Fund and $200,000 to the Salvation Army disaster relief. The Foundation previously donated $1 million to the American Red Cross in Greater New York, as announced in the days following the attack.

"The generosity of our Anheuser-Busch wholesaler family is overwhelming and we are proud to match their level of support for those in need," said August A. Busch IV, group vice president, marketing and wholesale operations, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

The New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, established by New York Governor George E. Pataki, aids the families of firefighters, police officers and emergency rescue workers who perished in the attack. The Survivors' Fund offers Washington-area victims and their families' assistance with health care, income maintenance and other long-term personal needs.

The September 11th Fund focuses on victims' short-term emergency assistance, including housing, food and grief counseling. These funds are designated for efforts in New York City and Washington, D.C. The donation to the Salvation Army will help the agency supply 100,000 daily meals for emergency workers at the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

In addition to these donations, Anheuser-Busch and its independent wholesalers paid tribute to America's police officers, firefighters and emergency medical workers by giving them free entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Sesame Place parks from October 5 through the end of the year. Their immediate family members will also receive free entry on a first visit and a 25 percent discount on subsequent visits this year.

Anheuser-Busch developed a television advertisement to honor those affected by the terrorist attacks and to support the efforts of the American Red Cross and all rescue workers. The ad ran on national network, cable and local broadcasts. In addition, to help express pride and resolve in the wake of this tragedy, the company replaced existing brand advertisements on outdoor billboards and many stadium signs across the country with the American flag.

Anheuser-Busch also donated nearly 10,000 cases of canned water and more than 40,000 cases of 180 energy drink to aid rescue workers in New York City on the day following the attack.
X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds