Brewers wives help build Habitat for Humanity home



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Brewers work hard on the field, but when they're off the field, they're helping out those in need.

On Tuesday, some of the players helped building homes.  On Wednesday, it was the wives’ turn.

In bright pink helmets, 15 Brewers wives rolled up their sleeves and picked up the power tools for Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s May “Blitz Build.”  Among those who took part include General Manger Ron Roenicke’s wife, Karen, and slugger Ryan Braun’s fiancé, Larisa Fraser.

“We're building walls, hammering nails,” said Fraser.

The wives are working on the foundation to a home on 34th Street, near Washington Park.

“Learning how to use the tools, how to hammer properly, which I didn't really know before,” said Karen Roenicke.

In a week's time, it'll be ready for homeowner Dalia Villalobos and her fiancé.

“It’s been a whole new experience.  It's really an honor and a privilege.  We feel blessed and these are just exciting times,” said Villalobos.

“That's so amazing and empowering for us to be able to do that for them, so it's really great,” said Fraser.

“Last year, they were here.  They had so much fun that they called us and asked when could they come out again,” said Habitat for Humanity’s Development Director Melissa Herguth.

This is the second year the Brewers Community Foundation and the wives are doing the "Blitz Build," and certainly, not their last.

“I came out last year for the first time and absolutely loved it,” said Roenicke.

“Just seeing it there become a reality, it's really awesome,” said Villalobos.

This is the first of three "Blitz Build" projects of the year.  Over the last 29 years, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 520 homes in Milwaukee.