SAN FRANCISCO - The board of directors of Folsom Street Events is calling for support of the Miller Brewing Company for not pulling out of supporting the Folsom Street Fair despite opposition from right-wingers.
The president of the board of directors, Andy Copper, said in a statement: "The Catholic League insists upon provoking its followers, resulting in e-mails and phone calls threatening us with everything from ill will to bodily harm. We understand that the Catholic League believes it is doing ‘the right thing' but they are attacking our San Francisco values of community, diversity, education, and freedom of self-expression.... They have never opened up a dialogue with us. They have only stood in judgment, making threats. We can no longer remain silent on the issue.
"To date, we have donated over $5 million to charities serving the community's needs in the areas of public health, human services, and the arts. Sponsorship dollars only underwrite the direct expenses of the fair itself. Miller's sponsorship does not support the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence or any other charity that benefits from the fair. The donations brought in at our gates from individual community members support our charities. Additionally, Folsom Street Fair generates approximately $36.4 million in travel and tourism dollars benefiting San Francisco and the nation."
Copper asks the community to contact Miller to thank it for its support and for not pulling out of its sponsorship of the Folsom Street Fair despite opposition from the religious right. Copper gives Miller spokesman Julian Green as a contact ([email protected]) and also offers up general Miller contact numbers (800) MILLER 6 and (414) 931-2000.
Some of the beneficiaries of this year's fair include Pets Are Wonderful Support, STOP AIDS Project, Lyon-Martin Health Services, Healing Waters, and the Transgender Law Center.
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