Pride St. Louis launches fundraiser campaign after losing historic corporate sponsor

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Pride St. Louis announced it’s launching a fundraising campaign following news that Anheuser-Busch has declined to sponsor PrideFest.

“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,” says Jordan Braxton of PrideSTL.

After over 30 years of partnership, Anheuser-Busch has joined several other sponsors in reducing or ending its contributions, leaving PrideFest over $150,000 short of last year’s total, according to Pride St. Louis.

“Their primary target market left a strong message that they’re not in support of social causes such as support for LGBTQ,” says Webster University marketing professor and chair, Eric Rhiney.

“We are beyond excited to celebrate 45 years of Pride in St. Louis,” said Marty Zuniga, President of Pride St. Louis. “This anniversary is a testament to the strength, resilience, and love within our community. 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. 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.”

According to a release, the #45for45 fundraiser is a community-driven initiative to commemorate 45 years of advocacy, support, and celebration of Pride in St. Louis.

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.

PrideFest 2025 will take place June 28 to 29 around Soldier’s Memorial Park in Downtown St. Louis.

The Grand Parade, which is the largest parade in St. Louis, will be on Sunday, June 29.

“Canceling pride is not an option. Anything we need this year we have to be loud and proud,” says Braxton. The president is always talking about coming after people who disagree with him and of course the DEI cuts are having a lot of affect too."

So far, at least one business, Greenfinch Theater and Dive in South City, has announced it will no longer carry A-B products.

For more information on PrideFest 2025, including how to register as a vendor, join the parade, volunteer, or become a sponsor, visit pridestl.org.