CHICAGO, June 6 (UPI) -- Two Christian groups have criticized Kraft Foods and Harris Bank for contributing $25,000 each to the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago.
The American Family Association of Tupelo, Miss., and the Illinois Family Institute of Glen Ellyn, Ill., want the companies to take a less visible role by removing logos and banners from the athletic event, the Chicago Tribune reported Monday.
"When you look at all the Kraft commercials, they all revolve around family and children," said Randy Sharp, director of special projects for American Family Association.
He said he was shocked to learn that Kraft, behind brands such as Oreo, Tang and Jell-O, would openly support what he considers a "dangerous" and "unhealthy activity."
Sharp said Kraft employees alerted the American Family Association of the sponsorship.
Gay Games VII will be held in July at various sites in Chicago in 2006 with an expected 10,000 athletes and some 100,000 people expected to attend resulting in an economic infusion of between $70 million and $80 million.
Neither Kraft Foods nor Harris Bank have reconsidered
