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.

"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.