Hey Guys,
A bit of a late followup but it took WW a minute to get back to me. However, they did get back to me. I just got of the telephone with one of their reps. Bottom line, WW will accept money from anyone that wants to donate. HOWEVER, WW will not endorse or co-sponsor events nor allow co-branding with: Tobacco, Alcohol, Firearms, or Religious Affiliations.
In my discussions, which were very pleasant and professional by the way, the over simplified explanation goes like this: If company X wants to donate that is fine. However, if company X wants to put out a cigar with WW or the label; that is a no go. If company X wants to host an event, a no go. However, if company X wants to be involved in an event already being hosted, that is fine as long as no co-branding is done. For example: I host a BBQ to raise money for WW, beer company wants to be involved to sell beer etc. That’s fine as long as the beer company doesn’t promote the WW aspect or allow signage to include both labels etc.
Another example would be the adult entertainment industry. WW would not want a film produced that is associated with them. However, if that company wants to donate money then WW would not say no.
Hope this clears up some of the confusion out there. WW is not saying no to donations, just that they don’t want to allow co-sponsoring of politically polarizing industries.
Dave
P.S. Don’t shoot the messenger.