Late-Inning Baseball Heroics in 2012 Have Special Meaning for Families of America's Fallen Heroes

Budweiser Pledges $5,000 for Every Walk-Off, Up to $2.5 Million for 'Folds of Honor'

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Apr 03, 2012, 11:05 ET

ST. LOUIS, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no more exciting play in baseball than a walk-off, when the home team wins the game in the bottom of the final inning. This season, Budweiser is making the moment even more special by helping to change the lives for families of America's heroes through the 'Walk off a Hero' program.

Budweiser will donate $5,000 for every walk-off during baseball's 2012 regular season to the Folds of Honor Foundation (FHF), which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel killed or disabled while serving their country.

In addition to the "Walk off a Hero" program, Budweiser will contribute a portion of all sales from May 20 – July 7, in an effort to raise as much as $2.5 million for FHF.

"Never before has rooting for the home team meant more than it does this baseball season," Rob McCarthy, vice president of Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch. "Our partnership with Folds of Honor is helping to make a difference in the lives of families whose love ones have paid so dearly to protect the freedoms we all hold so dear."

In addition, Budweiser will feature special patriotic packaging for both its cans and bottles that will be available throughout the summer. Consumers also will have the chance to get involved by texting HERO to 80888 to make a $5 donation to the organization.*

"Thanks to Budweiser, each walk-off will mean one scholarship for a deserving military family," said Major Dan Rooney, president and founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation. "We can never replace the loss of their loved ones, but with Budweiser's support we can help make a difference in their lives."

Throughout the baseball season, Budweiser will allow fans to select their favorite walk-off of the month by voting on MLB.com. At the end of the season, the best walk-off for each team will be recognized by Budweiser with a special thank you from FHF and a scholarship family.

"In baseball history, there have been some memorable walk-offs, including many late-inning heroics in both the 2011 regular and post seasons," said McCarthy. "As special as these moments are for baseball fans, through the outstanding work of Folds of Honor we're making them that much more meaningful for the families of our fallen American heroes."

Since its creation in 2007, FHF has provided more than 2,600 scholarships to recipients across the country. FHF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to empower deserving military families with educational support and opportunities. Their unique scholarships can be applied to schooling now or held by FHF on behalf of young children until needed at the time of enrollment.

Last year, Budweiser contributed $2 million to FHF through donating a portion of sales and $100 for every home run hit during baseball's regular season. The company and its philanthropic foundation have supported a variety of military charities, including the USO, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Pentagon Memorial Fund, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. In May 2009, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) presented Anheuser-Busch with the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Award for the company's public service in support of men and women in uniform.

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.

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 also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer. 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 www.anheuser-busch.com.

* A one-time donation of $5 will be billed to your mobile phone bill. Messaging and data rates may apply. Donations are collected for the Folds of Honor Foundation by mobilecause.com. Reply STOP to 85944 to stop. Reply HELP to 85944 for help. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch