Source: editor@mgwnews.com
Sacramento activists have called for boycotts of Cinemark Theaters and Cold Stone Creamery stores asking that the LGBT community and their supporters not spend their money to support businesses that made substantial donations to the Yes on Prop. 8 campaign. Recently Leatherby’s Family Ice Creamery in Sacramento was added to this list after it was discovered that owners allegedly donated $20,000.
However, Cold Stone Creamery Spokesman Jami Clark, Director of Brand Public Relations, denies Cold Stone or its affiliates made any donations or gave support to the Yes on Prop 8 Campaign. He believes the source of the rumor may stem from an alledged donation made by the original owners of Cold Stone Creamery to the Arizona Antigay initiative which also passed on Nov. 4.
In an interview with MGW Newsmagazine Editorial Director Matthew Burlingame, Clark stated, “The Sutherlands founded Cold Stone Creamery in 1988. In May 2007, Cold Stone Creamery was acquired by Kahala, and since that time, the Sutherlands have not been store owners, shareholders, employees or otherwise involved in the management of the business. As the founders of a well-known ice cream concept, they are naturally called upon from time to time by the media and others, but never paid by Kahala, to tell the brand’s history.”
Clark went on to assure that, “While Kahala and Cold Stone Creamery believe each individual has the right to get involved in causes they feel passionate about, the company does not endorse ballot initiatives or contribute to political causes. The personal beliefs of the Sutherlands as well as those of past and present franchisees, crew members and employees are not representative of the company. Cold Stone Creamery welcomes all ice cream lovers into our stores.
Burlingame also obtained a copy of the company’s Diversity Commitment which he says does include sexual orientation. The full story will be released in MGW Newsmagazine’s 30th Anniversary issue due out Dec. 1.
In the meantime, the boycott against Cinemark theaters is still ongoing. Cinemark’s Sacramento locations are Century Stadium 14, Century Downtown Plaza 7, Century 16 Greenback Ln; Elk Grove: Century Laguna 16; Folsom: Century Folsom 14; Roseville: Century Roseville 14, San Francisco: Century Centre 9, CinéArts @ Empire.
