Anheuser-Busch Honors St. Louis First Responders with $100,000 Donation for National First Responders Day

Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater Spirits, today announced a $100,000 donation to support local St. Louis first responders. The donation benefits The BackStoppers and the St. Louis Police Foundation, reinforcing Anheuser-Busch’s 165+ year commitment to its hometown and the brave men and women who keep it safe.  

The donation was presented to Lt. Col. Lawrence M. O’Toole, Executive Director of The BackStoppers and Michelle Craig, President and Executive Director of the St. Louis Police Foundation during a celebration for local first responders held at the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten in St. Louis on October 28. In honor of National First Responders Day, Anheuser-Busch also announced it is donating 500 complimentary tickets to local first responders for the 38^th Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses event on November 26. The annual charity boxing match between St. Louis police officers and firefighters has raised nearly $13 million for The BackStoppers since its inception in 1987.

Colleen Lucas, Vice President of Community Impact, Anheuser-Busch said: “Serving those who serve is more than a commitment for Anheuser-Busch – it’s been a key part of who we are for more than a century. We’re grateful for the St. Louis first responders who dedicate their lives to not only keeping our hometown safe, but to showing up for our neighbors in times of great need – just as they did in the wake of the tornadoes this past May. Partnering with The BackStoppers and the St. Louis Police Foundation allows us to give back to these heroes by ensuring they have the resources, training, and care they deserve.”

Anheuser-Busch has proudly supported The BackStoppers for over 35 years, helping the organization provide financial assistance to the families of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs in the St. Louis region who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The organization’s efforts include paying family mortgages, providing health coverage, and helping children pursue higher education.

Lt. Col. Lawrence M. O’Toole, Executive Director, The BackStoppers said: “We’re honored by Anheuser-Busch’s continued partnership and generosity. Their support helps us provide critical resources and stability for the families of fallen and injured first responders and ensures we can continue uplifting those who have sacrificed so much for our community.”

David Stokes, CEO, Grey Eagle Distributors and President of Guns ‘N Hoses commented: “As a proud member of both the Anheuser-Busch wholesaler network and The BackStoppers board, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful this support is for our local heroes. We’re thrilled to welcome even more of our city’s first responders to this year’s Guns ‘N Hoses event.” 

Anheuser-Busch’s donation will also support the St. Louis Police Foundation, which serves as a bridge between law enforcement and the community by funding programs and equipment that enhance officer safety, improve service, and foster trust across St. Louis.

Michelle Craig, President and Executive Director, St. Louis Police Foundation added: “Since 2008, Anheuser-Busch has been a steadfast partner in our mission to support the St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County police departments with the resources they need to provide the highest level of police service to the St. Louis community. We’re deeply grateful for their continued support of St. Louis’ first responders.”

Today’s donation builds on Anheuser-Busch’s more than century-long history of supporting America’s military and first responders. Through partnerships with organizations such as Folds of Honor, Honor Flight Network, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and others, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners continue to champion the needs of veterans, military families, and first responders who have sacrificed for our country and communities.    

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH    

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. 99 percent of the products we sell in the U.S are made in the U.S. with more than $700 million in high-quality ingredients sourced from American farmers and more than $7 billion in goods and services purchased from U.S. suppliers, and we have invested nearly $2 billion in our 100 facilities across the country over the past five years. Through these investments, and as a leading American manufacturer and the nation’s top brewer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only brewer that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We are home to the nation’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater, as well as industry-leading regional craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.