'It was just something we really wanted': Brothers raise $55,000 for Houston Ronald McDonald House to encourage outdoor sports and play

One of two Houston-area siblings and football players who've raised more than $50,000 for the Ronald McDonald House in Houston said God had a hand in their successful fundraising goal.

McKade and Mabrey Mettauer in about two months blew past their initial $50,000 goal and so far have raised $55,000, according to a Fox 26 news story published almost a month ago.

"Me and my whole family prayed every night about it," Mabrey Mettauer said in the Dec. 16 Fox 26 news story. "It was just something we really wanted and God definitely put his hands into place."

McKade Mettauer, 21 and the eldest of the brothers, plays collegiate football while 16-year-old Mabrey plays for The Woodlands High School Highlanders.

Previously a starter on California's offensive line, McKade is moving closer to home by transferring to Oklahoma, Sports Illustrated reported last month. McKade, who plays right guard, started 26 games for the Golden Bears.

"Sports is definitely like my favorite thing to do," Mabrey Mettauer told Fox 26. "It's just my way to get away from the world."

The two began the fundraiser to encourage outdoor sports and play at the Ronald McDonald House on Holcombe Boulevard in Houston. The brothers were volunteering for the nonprofit last summer when they found they couldn't take the children outside because of the stifling Houston-area heat. That experienced sparked the fundraiser, which began the following October.

"We're going to help them build a wheelchair-accessible playground," McKade Mettauer said. "We’re going to help build shade structures for them, so they can play in the summer and hopefully a basketball court."

Mabrey Mettauer said he hopes the kids enjoy the new additions, that they "have a good time, and it'll make their stay at the Ronald McDonald House a lot more comfortable and fun," Mabrey Mettauer said.

Anyone who would like to donate may do so here.