Coors Donates Founding Grant for First Responders College Fund.

National Puerto Rican Day Parade and Coors Brewing Company Give Back to Public Safety and Emergency Personnel

GOLDEN, Colo. -- In appreciation of the sacrifices made by uniformed personnel in addressing public safety and emergency needs, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade has established the First Responders College Fund (FRCF). Coors Brewing Company donated the $50,000 founding grant which will help the FRCF provide scholarships to third and fourth year college students whose parents serve as uniformed police, fire or emergency medical services personnel.

Increasingly, students need additional financial assistance to help pay for college education outside of what is available through federal aid. According to Department of Education, the total federal aid available to each student has grown less in the past 10 years than the growth of the average cost of a higher education in same period. The average income of first responders requires many of them to borrow money to pay the cost of college tuition for their children.

"Coors' donation is part of our Lideres campaign which recognizes the many great leaders in the Hispanic community today and plants seeds to develop the leaders of tomorrow," said Rafael Fantauzzi, director of Hispanic community relations for Coors and FRCF board member. "Supporting education is an exercise in community leadership, something that is very important to Coors as a company."

Statistics from the Atlas of Stateside Puerto Ricans and the National Council of La Raza show college graduation rates for Puerto Rican and Hispanic students lagging behind other groups with 13 percent of mainland Puerto Ricans and 12 percent of U.S. Hispanics holding college degrees compared to 18 percent of African Americans and 30 percent of Caucasians. The American Magazine reported in May of 2007 that economic benefits of higher education are evident as workers with college or graduate degrees earn 70 to 120 percent more than those with high school diplomas.

"We are pleased to join the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and Coors in establishing a scholarship that will help to ensure that college students whose parents help to provide safety, readiness and assistance to the community at large, have the resources needed to complete their education," said Manuel Mirabal, president of the National Puerto Rican Coalition and FRCF board member. "This is one of the best investments that socially responsible companies can make for the future well-being of our community and we commend Coors for providing their support and corporate leadership in creating the First Responders College Fund."

Applications will be available nationwide and will be accepted by certified affiliates of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. Applicants must exemplify academic excellence and a commitment to advancing Puerto Rican culture, heritage or education. Up to $5,000 is available per student ($2,500 per year).

"The Grand Council of Hispanic Societies in Public Service Inc. thanks Coors for their support of the First Responders College Fund," said Debra Martinez, president of The Grand Council of Hispanic Societies in Public Service Inc. and FRCF board member. "This strategic alliance will help bring generations of future Hispanic students to serve the community in areas of education, civil service and business."

About Coors Brewing Company

Coors Brewing Company is a subsidiary of Molson Coors Brewing Company, (NYSE: TAP) (TSX: TAP). It is the third largest brewer in the U.S. The company's U.S. brands include Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Coors, Killian's Irish Red, Keystone, Blue Moon, Coors NA and Zima. For more information on Coors, visit the company's Web site, www.coors.com.