Waukesha Christmas parade: Brewers, community raise nearly $35K

Waukesha Christmas parade: Brewers, community raise funds

The Milwaukee Brewers and community members helped raise nearly $35,000 for those impacted by the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy.

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers and community members on Tuesday, Nov. 23 helped raise nearly $35,000 for those impacted by the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy.

Members of the team joined fans at The Back Room at Colectivo on Milwaukee's east side – coming together over a cup of coffee in support of those struggling to cope with what happened Sunday.

"We’re all just having a cup of coffee and hearing stories about the Brewers or sharing stories about our families," said Brewers manager Craig Counsell, a Whitefish Bay native. "This is a way for us to engage with our fans, and then also just discuss what’s going on…I think this is part of healing, forming community is part of healing."

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Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta was among those representing the team Tuesday. He talked with fans one-on-one, hoping to show the community that the team stands behind the victims.

"What I hope, and what I can tell to those families, is we are here to support them," Peralta said.

Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta speaks with fans at The Back Room at Colectivo

The event meant the world to baseball lovers looking for a way to get their minds off reality, if only for a short time.

"I think it’s truly amazing to have such big figures to people, such as sports players, to come out to the community and just be normal," said fan Joey Punko.

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"I wanted to donate to what happened in Waukesha, and I also wanted to come here to see Freddy Peralta and Craig Counsell," fan Logan Vand Zande said.

In partnership with the Pabst Theater Group, the event raised $34,392 from community contributions and a match by David Stearns, Brewers president of baseball operations. Donations will go to the United for Waukesha fund.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell speaks with fans at The Back Room at Colectivo

Magic of Lights donations

The Brewers Community Foundation will donate $10 for each car that comes through the Magic of Lights on Wednesday, Nov. 24 and Thursday, Nov. 25 – matched by American Family Insurance and Magic of Lights.

Further, American Family Insurance is also making a direct contribution of $50,000 to the United for Waukesha Community Fund, the Brewers said in a news release.

Magic of Lights opens Nov. 24 and runs daily from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. through Jan. 2. Families can enjoy the mile-plus drive-thru holiday display with more than two-million glistening lights dancing to holiday tunes.

The drive culminates at the Holiday Village featuring the American Family Insurance Holiday House and a skating rink for families to enjoy.

Tickets are available online. Magic of Lights is the largest touring drive-through light display in the country.

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