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Guns ‘N Hoses Raises $302,864 for BackStoppers
Officials of the St. Louis Guns ‘N Hoses Boxing Association presented a check for $302,864.33 to The BackStoppers on Dec. 22 at the St. Louis County Library.
The check is the proceeds of the 24th annual Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses boxing show Nov. 24 at Scottrade Center. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of 16,212 to watch 17 matches between teams of area police officers and firefighters who won the team trophy 9-8. The crowd also observed boxing’s traditional “10-Count” to honor five public servants who lost their lives in the line of duty between Thanksgiving of 2009 and 2010. The 2009 event raised more than $274,000.
Jerry Clinton, the association’s executive director, presented the check to The BackStoppers’ executive director Ron Battelle as area police and fire officials looked on.
“The St. Louis region has again stepped up to support The BackStoppers when the need is the greatest,” said Clinton. “During this holiday season of giving and sharing, we are pleased to continue our long-standing efforts on behalf of The BackStoppers and the families of those who give their lives protecting our lives and property,” Clinton said.
Also present were David Stokes, President and CEO of Grey Eagle Distributors, title sponsor of the event; Ring of Champion sponsors, members of the Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses committee; and association officials Jack Martorelli, Steve Holley and Jim Hubbard.
This year’s Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses proceeds bring total contributions to more than $3.2 million since the event was first held in 1987.
Ten St. Louis corporations and organizations made generous contributions and were recognized as Ring of Champions sponsors. They were The Boeing Company, Marc Bulger Foundation, Clayco, Dave Mungenast Motorsports, Dave Sinclair Ford, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, J.D. Streett Company, Sam’s Club, Servpro and the Bank of Washington (MO).
Anheuser-Busch announced at the event that an additional $77,508 is being contributed to The BackStoppers. The donation includes $50,000 from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation and proceeds from the sale of “Hometown Heroes” badges at bars and restaurants and wholesalers’ donations from sales of Budweiser products.
The BackStoppers is a 3,000-member organization of St. Louis-area citizens, who provide immediate and long-term financial support to families of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
Since the 2009 Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses, five law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty and they were honored during Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses as part of boxing’s ceremonial “Ten-Count.”
