The Milwaukee Brewers do a lot of work on the field, but there is a lot they do off the field that is just as important for the community.
In between games, players and their wives take part in Brewers Community Foundation events. This year, they plan to build a playground for Meta House.
"Meta House has been providing drug and alcohol treatment for families, really helping to end that generational cycle in Milwaukee, for more than 50 years," said Amy Lindner, president and CEO of Meta House.
The KABOOM playground will be built at the Meta House's residences near 1st & Locust.
"We will probably have about 100-200 volunteers that will come in, roll up our sleeves and build a playground in one day," said Cecelia Gore, executive director of the Brewers Community Foundation.
"They are going to have, all of a sudden, this amazing playground that there's no way we'd be able to afford to build without the help from the Brewers Community Foundation," said Lindner. "So the kids can't say thank you, but I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you."
Gore said the Brewers Community Foundation is able to provide these opportunities thanks in part to fans who come to games and play the 50/50 Raffle. "It's a $2 ticket where half of the proceeds go to the fans and half stay with the foundation."
The Brewers players know how important it is to be role models on the field and off. "So whether it's going out to deliver meals to Children's Hospital or building a playground for Meta House it's no problem," said Katina Shaw, Brewers Community Relations senior director. "They understand and they're thankful and grateful to our fans."
The Brewers Community Foundation supports 200 organizations. The 50/50 Raffle is one way fans can contribute. Gore said on Opening Day, the prize is somewhere around $45,000.
