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Racing wives pitch in for
Habitat for Humanity
By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
May 13, 2002
MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- With their husbands busy with their own
racing careers, some of their wives are out building homes
--- literally --- for other people.
Such was the case on Monday morning when members of the
Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary pitched in to help
Habitat for Humanity build another home for a family. Just
like many of the wives are raising their own families, they
took time to raise the wall on the latest home for another.
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"It is such an honor for me to
represent an organization (WCRWA) that I am only one
person in," said Debbie Parrott, vice president of WCRWA
and wife of crew chief Todd Parrott. "We have had many,
many volunteers out here working for the past few weeks.
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Debbie Benson (left) with Kim
Burton
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"Some of them have been out here
hammering and sweating, skinning their knees and getting
dirty. But, we've been having a good time doing this."
Two years ago, the organization's board got together and
started to look for ways to help out local groups in the
Charlotte area. Parrott had worked on a habitat house before
and suggested that the WCRWA become involved with Habitat
for Humanity.
Thus, the WCRWA Women Building a Legacy was formed. And,
various members have been helping build homes since then.
Helping out on Monday was; Kim Burton, wife of driver Jeff
Burton, Debbie Benson, wife of Johnny Benson; Deanna McSwain,
wife of crew chief Michael McSwain and Linda McReynolds,
wife of broadcaster Larry McReynolds.
Different members of the auxiliary are given specific jobs
as the house is being built. During their free time, the
wives will return to work on the house up until it is
completed and will even help put in the plants for
landscaping, if needed.
"Habitat for Humanity's Women Building a Legacy is a
nationwide construction project," said M.C. Laney,
spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity. "This is an 18-month
program that brings together women from all walks of life to
build safe, healthy housing were children can flourish and
grow.
"Without some of our national sponsors to help out, we
wouldn't be able to make this happen."
Dressed in T-shirts with nail aprons and tool belts on, the
wives were pounding nails for a support wall. After
completion, the group collectively raised the wall and put
in place.
The home being worked on is for Kris and Ann Hunt and their
six daughters.
"We started out by building the yellow house down a little
bit," Parrott said, pointing down the street. "It's the
second one from the end. For those of us that helped build
that one, it was a great time and positive experience."
"And, as you can see it's still standing," she said smiling.
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