CommunityThe Brewers Players and Coaches Wives play an important role in our outreach efforts to support our community each season. Each summer, they team up with the Milwaukee Brewers front office and Brewers Charities to raise funds through a number of special events. The wives host a tailgate party to support the Sojourner Family Peace Center, a shelter for battered women and children. In addition, several of the wives along with their husbands support area children with game tickets, food vouchers and donations to youth baseball groups. Our Brewers Wives collective efforts have already help raise more than $80,000 this season to support a number of great community causes.
Community Programs
Wives Dinner Deliveries
Each month, the Brewers Wives purchase and deliver meals for the families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, a "home away from home" house for children who need critical medical care, and the Sojourner Peace House Center, a safe haven for battered women and children. The wives serve the meals to the families and provide gift bags. Brewers Wives donated over $3,000 for dinners and gift bags to the families.
Brewers Wives Tailgate
July 24, 2009 marked the 20th annual Brewers Wives Tailgate in support of the Sojourner Family Peace Center. This family-oriented fundraiser has been enjoyed by people of all ages. This year's event featured a silent auction including exclusive autographed Brewers memorabilia, raffle items, ballpark style food and beverages and tickets to game that evening. Sojourner Family Peace Center is a leader in the community effort that offers every victim of domestic violence access to effective and complete programs required to achieve a life free of violence. Sojourner Family Peace Center provides shelter, safety, support, education and advocacy to break the cycle of violence because domestic respect is the right of every woman, man and child. At this year's event, Brewers Wives raised $5,500 through the tailgate silent auction and Brewers Charities contributed an additional $5,000 in support for the Sojourner Family Peace Center.
Jersey Off Their Backs
Brewers Players Wives hosted a special event to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Wisconsin. This event was personal in nature for our players' families as the young son of Infielder Casey McGehee and his wife Sarah was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. Wives walked through the stands and staffed tables throughout the ballpark, selling raffle tickets for just $1. Lucky winners were able to go onto the field immediately after the game and receive an autographed game-worn jersey from a player on the 25-man roster. This event raised $50,000 for United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Wives Mystery Brown Bag Event
On Saturday, September 5th, fans were asked to donate $25 in exchange for a brown bag which contained an autographed baseball by a Brewers player or coach. Brewers Wives were stationed at tables throughout the ballpark selling the brown bags to benefit the Hunger Task Force. The Hunger Task Force was founded in 1974 by a group of concerned parents who worried about children going to school hungry. The Hunger Task Force is a private, non-profit community organization that exists to prevent and alleviate hunger. Brewers Wives raised $17,500 through this event to support the Hunger Task Force.
Brewers Wives Pet Calendar
The Brewers Wives Pet Calendar will feature several Brewers players and coaches with their own furry companions or pets that are available for adoption through the Wisconsin Human Society. The Wisconsin Humane Society's mission is to build a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness. Located in Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Humane Society has cared for the area's homeless, unwanted and abused companion animals and endangered wildlife for over 130 years. Today, the Wisconsin Humane Society is in the vanguard of animal sheltering practices and humane education programs. It is also the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in the state in terms of the number of animals served. The calendars will be available prior to the 2009 holidays in the Team Store by Majestic located at Miller Park, and proceeds will benefit the Wisconsin Humane Society.
Doug & Ellen Melvin Jersey Raffles
Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin and his wife Ellen have been passionate supporters of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, ever since Ellen Melvin lost her mother to this disease. They have raised more than $70,000 in the past three years to support the Komen Milwaukee affiliate. The Milwaukee affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front including breast health education, breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women. Now, Doug and Ellen are asking fans to join them in their quest to end breast cancer forever. Fans who attend the Friday, September 18 game can purchase raffle tickets for just $5 and one lucky fan will go home with a framed, autographed jersey of Brewers Outfielder Ryan Braun. Look for the Jersey Raffle Table near the Home Plate entrance or for volunteers in pink T-shirts who will be selling raffle tickets throughout Miller Park. And, on September 20, fans can visit the Brewers Charities Bobble Raffle Table behind Section 123 to meet Doug Melvin, get his autograph and purchase raffle tickets in conjunction with that day's all-fan Doug Melvin Bobble giveaway. Raffle proceeds from both events will support Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Milwaukee affiliate.
