Click here to see WAFB Channel 9's coverage of the Baton Rouge "Homes for the Holidays" home presentation on May 5, 2009.

NFL RUNNING BACK AND BATON ROUGE NATIVE ASSISTS SINGLE-MOTHER OF SIX

TAMPA, Fla. (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)— On Tuesday, May 5, National Football League running back Warrick Dunn awarded his 85th home to a single-mother through Homes for the Holidays, a program of his Foundation.

Dunn returned to his hometown of Baton Rouge, La. to present the home to thirty-eight year old Nicole Ross and her six boys in honor of the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday. 

Ross, a certified nurse’s assistant, completed 255 sweat equity hours through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge to help build her 1,684 square-foot home. According to Habitat’s Executive Director, Lynn Clark, Ross’ house is the largest Habitat home built in the area.

The five-bedroom two-bathroom home was fully equipped with appliances and furniture donated by Aaron’s Sales & Lease, linens and lawn care products—everything down to the toothbrushes.  An apple pie was displayed on the dining table and fresh tulips adorned the living room.

Dunn guided Ross and her family through their new home, slowly entering each room as she paused to thank him and wipe her tears.

“There is a story behind my home ownership,” Ross said. “The struggle is over, but I will continue to work hard.”

Dunn started Homes for the Holidays to honor his late mother’s dream of home ownership.  A Baton Rouge police officer and single-mother of six, Betty Smothers was killed in the line of duty before realizing her dream. 

“I appreciate the fact I have the opportunity to give back and change a family’s life,” Dunn said.  “Nicole’s family is very similar to my family in size and determination, and she worked hard to achieve home ownership.”

The program provides down-payment assistance to lower monthly mortgage payments through in-kind Title sponsor Aaron’s Sales & Lease and sponsors like Prudential Commercial Real Estate. Aaron’s has contributed more than $400,000 in furniture since 2003. 

In 2009, the Foundation began a grocery partnership with Spaulding Charities, a local Baton Rouge foundation.

To date, the Foundation has assisted 85 single parents and 230 children and dependents in Tampa and Tallahassee, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Atlanta, Georgia achieve the American dream of owning a home.

EDITOR’S NOTES: Recipient Information:
Nicole Ross            38-year-old single-mother
Malcolm Ross         20-year-old son
Jabril Ross             17-year-old son
Elijah Ross             13-year-old son
Khamal Ross          12-year-old son
Tijani Ross             11-year-old son
Malaak Ross            8-year-old son

To date, Dunn has assisted 85 single parents and 230 children and dependents. 
o    35 mothers and 94 children in Tampa, Fla.
o    25 mothers and 74 children & dependents in Baton Rouge, La.
o    24 mothers and 58 children & dependents in Atlanta, Ga.
o    One father and four children in Tallahassee, Fla.


Homes for the Holidays, a program of the Warrick Dunn Foundation, was established in 1997, to honor the life of Dunn’s mother, Betty Smothers, a police officer and security guard, killed during a robbery attempt while working as an off-duty police officer in Baton Rouge. Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership and Prudential Commercial Real Estate contribute to furnishing and equipping each home. For more information visit: warrickdunnfoundation.org. 

 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS RUNNING BACK AWARDS 84TH HOME

TAMPA, Fla. (Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009)— On Tuesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn awarded his 84th home to a single mother in the Bay area through Homes for the Holidays, a program of his Foundation.

Dunn started Homes for the Holidays in 1997 during his rookie year with the Buccaneers to honor his late mother’s dream of home ownership.  Presentations are traditionally held during the November, December and May holidays; however, Tuesday’s home presentation was in honor of Super Bowl XLIII coming to Tampa, Fla.  

“Super Bowl week is important, but bringing stability to someone’s life is more important,” Dunn said.  “This program says a lot about our community.”

Surrounded by volunteers and supporters, Dunn escorted twenty-seven year old Jacqueline “Jackie” Caceres, a single-mother of three, to the front door of her new home.

Caceres’ three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built by Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County.  She contributed more than 500 sweat equity hours toward the construction of her home and other homes in the neighborhood.    

“After living in an apartment for 10 years, I wanted to start the process toward owning my own home,” Caceres said.  “Words can’t describe what this means for me and my children - it started as a dream and became a blessing.”

According to Caceres, a Hillsborough County Sheriff community service officer, she attended a “Heroes” luncheon in 2006 and Dunn was the keynote speaker.  Anxiously, she approached Dunn about his Homes for the Holidays program, and he encouraged her to begin the process toward home ownership through Habitat for Humanity.  

“Jackie actually went through with the process and is a perfect example of how your dreams can become a reality,” Dunn said.  “Homes for the Holidays is stabilizing families and gives them hope for a bright future.”

Homes for the Holidays provides down-payment assistance to lower monthly mortgage payments through sponsors like Prudential Tropical Realty and in-kind sponsor Aaron’s Sales & Lease. Mike Hickey, vice-president of management development for Aaron’s Sales & Lease, presented the Caceres family with a $10,000 check representing the home furnishings and appliances.  

The Foundation recently added a new partner to the program with Samsung Electronics America, the Official HDTV of Super Bowl XLIII. Samsung is  providing more than $50,000 in product to the Warrick Dunn Foundation during Super Bowl XLIII festivities through its Four Seasons of Hope program.
 
To date, the Foundation has assisted 84 single parents and 224 children and dependents in Tampa and Tallahassee, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Atlanta, Georgia achieve the American dream of owning a home.

EDITOR’S NOTES: Recipient Information:
Jacqueline “Jackie” Caceres        27-year-old single-mother
Elijah Ramos                           11-year-old son
Jermaine Dorsey, Jr.                 5-year-old son
Jeremiah Dorsey                      2-year-old son

Homes for the Holidays, a program of the Warrick Dunn Foundation, was established in 1997, to honor the life of Dunn’s mother, Betty Smothers, a police officer and security guard, killed during a robbery attempt while working as an off-duty police officer in Baton Rouge. Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership and Prudential Tropical Realty contribute to furnishing and equipping each home. For more information visit: warrickdunnfoundation.org.  

Click here to listen to Warrick's interveiw on ESPN Radio 760, January 28, 2009.

 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS RUNNING BACK WARRICK DUNN HELPS SINGLE MOTHERS REALIZE THEIR DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP

TAMPA, Fla. (Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008)— Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn, presented two single mothers the keys to their new homes through Homes for the Holidays, a program of his Foundation, in Tampa Bay on Tuesday. 

Despite an early morning return to Tampa from a late game against the Carolina Panthers, Dunn arrived in New Port Richey in time to greet Homes for the Holidays recipient Sarah Cooke and her two children.

According to Cooke, the completely furnished three-bedroom, two-bathroom West Pasco Habitat for Humanity home was more than she had ever imagined.

“It is a clean and safe environment for our family, and my kids can have their friends over and not be embarrassed,” Cooke said.  “And my friends too,” she added.

Cooke, accompanied by her 10-year-old daughter Lauren and 15-year-old son Devin, was surprised to see Dunn standing in the driveway when the family arrived to the home expecting a roof repair project. Upon meeting Dunn, Devin quickly removed his New England Patriot’s jersey. 

Immediately following Cooke’s presentation, Dunn continued to Dade City to surprise the 83rd recipient of his Homes for the Holidays program, Robin Knight. 

The five-bedroom home, built by East Pasco Habitat for Humanity, hundreds of volunteers, including Knight’s Sweetbay Supermarket co-workers and her family, consisted of more than 400 sweat equity hours toward the construction of their home.

Knight and her six children ranging in ages from 16 to 7, ran through the home exploring their new rooms with tears of joy. 

“We won’t have to go anywhere on the weekends,” exclaimed Knight’s 16-year-old son Lenwood Smith.  “Everything is here.”

Homes for the Holidays, presented by Aaron’s Sales & Lease and Prudential Tropical Realty, provides down-payment assistance including linens, lawn care products, televisions and more.

Tuesday’s home presentations are unique to the Foundation and made possible through Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), one of Tampa Bay’s leading health benefits companies.  Humana awarded a one-time $100,000 signature grant to the Warrick Dunn Foundation in October for its 2008 Tampa Bay Benefits charitable giving program.

“We are honored to support this inspiring program and proud to further its efforts to help single parents and their children achieve the dream and stability of home ownership,” said Humana Central Florida Commercial Operations Market President Sid Morgan.  “Particularly during this economic downturn in which we are seeing so many people lose their homes.”
Dunn started Homes for the Holidays during his rookie year with the Buccaneers in 1997 as a way to honor his mother’s dream of owning her own home.  His mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer was killed in the line of duty while working a second job to provide for her six children and never realized her dream of home ownership. 

To date, the Foundation has assisted 83 single parents and 221 children and dependents in Tampa and Tallahassee, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Atlanta, Georgia achieve the American dream of owning a home.

EDITOR’S NOTES: Recipient Information:
House # 1: New Port Richey, Fla.

House #2: Dade City, Fla.

Homes for the Holidays, a program of the Warrick Dunn Foundation, was established in 1997, to honor the life of Dunn’s mother, Betty Smothers, a police officer and security guard, killed during a robbery attempt while working as an off-duty police officer in Baton Rouge. Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership and Prudential Tropical Realty contribute to furnishing and equipping each home. For more information visit: warrickdunnfoundation.org. 

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 11.5 million medical members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of health and supplementary benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals. More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s Web site at http://www.humana.com.

 Humana Inc. Awards the Warrick Dunn Foundation with a $100,000 grant through the Tampa Bay Benefits Charitable Giving Program.

Click here to view, "A winning spirit: Antonio Dowels."

Click here to see pictures from the World of Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. 

 FORMER FALCON RUNNING BACK WARRICK DUNN HELPS THREE SINGLE MOTHERS REALIZE THEIR DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP

Atlanta (Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008)— Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn presented three single mothers keys to their new homes through Homes for the Holidays, a program of his Foundation, in Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008. 

Tiana Diggs, the first of the three recipients to receive down-payment assistance and all the necessities associated with owning a home, quickly realized her prayers had been answered. Diggs, a single-mother of three, recently completed the first time homebuyers program with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Georgia and was shocked when she opened the door.

“I was in shock when I walked into the home and it was filled with all the things I was worried about providing for my children,” Diggs said.

Dunn started Homes for the Holidays during his rookie year with the Buccaneers in 1997 as a way to honor his mother’s dream of owning her own home.  His mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer was killed in the line of duty while working a second job to provide for her six children and never realized her dream of home ownership. 

In honor of her memory and the upcoming holiday season, Dunn shared her dream with two additional Atlanta families.

“We are not giving families a handout, we give families the opportunity to better their lives,” Dunn said.

Dunn, followed by a caravan of supporters, traveled to Atlanta to greet the next recipient, Andrea Ludaway, a single-mother of two young men. Ludaway works as a pharmacy technician for Grady Health Care Monday through Friday and works weekends at a retail pharmacy to make ends meet. Tuesday, her hard work paid off as she entered into her new home. Just as happy as his mother, Jason, Ludaway’s eldest son, eagerly entered his new home where for the first time they each have their own bedroom.  He said it is a whole new start.

The final recipient, Tokiki Brown, now has a home to shelter her 17 and 7-year-old sons and 12-year-old daughter. Brown is no stranger to hard work; in fact she put in more than 280 hours of intensive labor herself to ensure the completion of this home. Brown is a native Atlantan and has worked diligently toward owning her own home.  She will pay less for her mortgage and than for her current rent.

Ludaway and Brown each completed Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership program and surpassed the required 250 sweat equity hours.  As a result of their hard work and determination they were nominated for the Warrick Dunn Foundation’s Homes for the Holidays program.

Each recipient received $5,000 toward their down-payment from the Warrick Dunn Foundation and a home filled with appliances, groceries, linens and lawn care products—everything a first-time homebuyer needs.  At each home presentation Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership presented a check to the Foundation for furnishings donated to each recipient.

Aaron’s Sales & Lease has been an in-kind sponsor since 2003, donating more than $400,000 in furniture to the Foundation.

The Foundation will continue to help single-parent families in the Atlanta area through its annual Gala fundraiser and its Homes for the Holidays program.

Approaching its 12th year, Homes for the Holidays has helped 81 single parents and 213 children and dependents in Tampa and Tallahassee, Fla.; Baton Rouge, La. and Atlanta, Ga., achieve the American dream of owning a home.


EDITOR’S NOTES: Recipient Information:

House # 1: Roswell, GA
Tiana Diggs, 35, Single-Mother
Jourdan, M, 13
Jadyn, F, 7
Trey, M, 5
       
House #2: Atlanta, GA
Andrea Ludaway, 41, Single-Mother
Jason, M, 20
Jontae, M, 17
       
House # 3: Atlanta, GA
Tokiki Brown, 35, Single-Mother
Quintavius, M, 17
Shakira, F, 13
Antavius, M, 7
           

Click here to view the story on Atlanta's NBC station 11Alive. 

Click here to view Warrick on NBC's Today Show.

ATLANTA (Oct. 14, 2008) – The Warrick Dunn Foundation held its Sixth Annual Gala Monday, Oct. 13 at the Westin in Buckhead.  Approximately 300 people attended the Gala to raise funds for the Foundation through ticket sales, sponsor donations and pledges made at the event.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn was joined by former and current NFL teammates and friends including Derrick Brooks, Michael Clayton, Michael Jenkins, Brian Finneran, Earnest Graham, Jonathan Babineaux and Jerious Norwood all with one goal in mind – raising money for economically-disadvantaged single parents and their children.

The evening included a welcome from Mayor Shirley Franklin, a live and silent auction, Macy’s fashion show, a tribute to Dunn by a recent Homes for the Holidays recipient and a surprise live performance by Slim from the musical group 112.   Additionally, Natalie Whitlow was named this year’s winner of the Extraordinary Achievement Award by the Warrick Dunn Foundation.

“Events like this make it possible for the Foundation to continue to assist so many deserving families,” said Natalie Boe, Warrick Dunn Foundation executive director. “Thank you to the city of Atlanta for welcoming us back, and a special thank you to all of our sponsors and everyone else who made this event such a success.”

Dunn started Homes for the Holidays in 1997 as a tribute to his mother, a Baton Rouge police officer, who was killed in the line of duty. As a single mother of six, she worked tirelessly to achieve the American dream of owning her own home, however, she was never able to realize that dream. Through Homes for the Holidays, Dunn has been able to honor her memory. To date, the program has assisted 78 single parents and 205 children and dependents to achieve first-time homeownership in Tampa and Tallahassee, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga. and Dunn’s hometown of Baton Rouge, La.

Event sponsors included Peachtree TV, Aaron’s Sales and Lease,  Macy’s, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Georgia Power and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Click here to see picutres from the 6th Annual Warrick Dunn Foundation Gala. 

Click here to see more pictures from the 6th Annual Warrick Dunn Foundation Gala. 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS DERRICK BROOKS AND WARRICK DUNN ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP

Contact: Natalie Boe
Warrick Dunn Foundation
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Office: (813) 964-0100
Mobile: (813) 340-9180

TAMPA, Fla. (Thursday, July 24, 2008)— Tampa Bay Buccaneers Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn, join forces in their efforts to give back to the Tampa Bay community, announcing the “Brooks and Dunn Golf Classic,” January 29-30, 2009.

The Brooks and Dunn Inaugural Golf Classic, benefiting Derrick Brooks Charities and the Warrick Dunn Foundation, includes a pairings reception and a celebrity golf tournament. Each foursome will be paired with a celebrity from the NFL, NBA or MLB.  The dynamic gridiron duo will host the tournament at Cypress Run, a private golf club in Tarpon Springs, Fla. at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.

The two-day event includes a live and silent auction, pairings reception, raffle prizes, a scramble/shotgun start best-ball competition and awards dinner. 

Graduates of Florida State University, Brooks and Dunn have been recognized for their achievements on and off the field.  Their Foundations share similar missions of assisting economically disadvantaged families in an effort to build stronger communities. Brooks received the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year humanitarian award in 2000 and Dunn received the award in 2004.

Brooks and Dunn both started their philanthropic efforts in 1997 and have assisted a combined total or more than 1,000 children and families throughout the southeast. 

“Our Foundations are working toward the common goal of helping less fortunate families succeed and pursue their dreams,” said Dunn.  “It is our goal for this partnership to provide even greater benefits to the Tampa Bay community.”

For event sponsorship information contact Bonita Pulido, executive director Derrick Brooks Charities at: (813) 877-8681 or Natalie Boe, executive director Warrick Dunn Foundation at: (813) 964-0100. Additional information and event updates will be available at: www.derrickbrookscharities.org and www.warrickdunnfoundation.org. 

Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc. Mission: The mission of Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., is to provide educational opportunities for socio-economically challenged youth that will instill, inspire, broaden, and develop cultural and social vision outside of the walls in which they live to ensure that these young people have every chance to develop into the strong and productive leaders of tomorrow.

Warrick Dunn Foundation Mission: The Warrick Dunn Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged single parents and children who have demonstrated a commitment to achieve financial independence. 

FORMER FALCON ISN’T “DUNN” IN ATLANTA JUST YET

Warrick Dunn Foundation Continues Work in Atlanta area with Sixth Annual Gala

Media Contact: Ashley Haddock
Fletcher Martin
404.720.8178
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ATLANTA (September 8, 2008) – The Atlanta Falcons head to Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 14, for what they hope will be a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Despite the new uniform, former Falcons running back Warrick Dunn still holds a deep commitment to the Atlanta community through his Foundation’s efforts. 

Dunn, currently a Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back, plans to make the trip back to Atlanta on Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 for his Foundation’s Sixth Annual Gala. 

The Warrick Dunn Foundation is hosting the event at the Westin Buckhead at 7 p.m. Dunn will be joined by former and current NFL teammates and friends in Atlanta for a star-studded night with one goal in mind — raise money for a worthy cause while having a night to remember.

“Despite Warrick’s move from the Atlanta Falcons to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers there is still a need for the Foundation’s work in Georgia,” said Natalie Boe, Warrick Dunn Foundation executive director. “We look forward to continuing our support of the greater Atlanta area.”

The event is open to the public and includes live musical performances, a live and silent auction, Macy’s Fashion Extravaganza, and more. Event sponsors include Aaron’s Sales and Lease, Macy’s, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Grey Goose, 7 For All Mankind, Peachtree TV, V-103 The People’s Station and 92.9 davefm and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tickets are $175.  For additional information and to purchase tickets online click here . 

Dunn started Homes for the Holidays in 1997 as a tribute to his mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer killed in the line of duty. As a single mother of six, she worked tirelessly to achieve the American dream of owning her own home.  However, she was never able to realize that dream. Through Homes for the Holidays, Dunn has been able to honor her memory. To date, the program has assisted 78 single parents and 205 children and dependents to achieve first-time homeownership in Tampa and Tallahassee, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga. and Dunn’s hometown of Baton Rouge, La.

WARRICK DUNN RETURNS TO TALLAHASSEE TO ASSIST SINGLE FATHER OF FOUR

TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2007) — Atlanta Falcons running back, Warrick Dunn, presented a new home to a single father and his four children Tuesday in Tallahassee, Fla. A first for Homes for the Holidays, a program of the Warrick Dunn Foundation, which historically has assisted single-mothers in Tampa, Fla., Baton Rouge, La. and Atlanta, Ga. in achieving the American dream of home ownership.

Dunn greeted Osei Nyahuma, 50, on the front lawn of his new four-bedroom, two- bathroom home in Tallahassee Highlands. Nyahuma’s home, sponsored by Big Bend Habitat for Humanity’s 25th Anniversary Build, required him and his family to complete 400 sweat equity hours.

“Over the years, I’ve matured and realized it is important to help out folks who are trying to help themselves,” Dunn said regarding the addition of single fathers to the “Homes for the Holidays” program.

Nyahuma, anticipating a home inspection, was overwhelmed to arrive to a sea of supporters flooding his new property. Dunn escorted him through his fully furnished home, equipped with everything a first time home buyer needs. In-kind sponsor Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership provides all furniture, appliances and televisions. Through title sponsor Prudential Tropical Realty, the house is equipped with groceries, linens and lawn care products – everything down to the toothbrushes.

“I was worried about furnishing our home,” Nyahuma said. “I can’t remember the last time I sat on a new couch. This is truly a blessing.”

Nyahuma, his 14–year-old son, 15–year–old daughter, 16–year–old son and 20–year old daughter realize the American dream of home ownership in time for the holidays.

Since its inception in 1997, Homes for the Holidays has assisted 74 single parents and 192 children in Tallahassee, Fla., Tampa, Fla., Baton Rouge, La., and Atlanta, Ga. Nyahuma is the first single father to receive assistance.

Following the presentation, Dunn received the Circle of Gold award from the Florida State University Alumni Association in honor of his leadership and commitment to the University and the Tallahassee Community. Dunn joins an elite group of 160 Florida State alumni to receive the award.

Family information:

Osei K Nyahuma, single father of three, 50

Omari Nelson	14, M
Miesha Nelson	15, F
Jabaray Nelson	16, M
Chandra Clay	20, F

Homes for the Holidays was established by the Warrick Dunn Foundation in 1997 as a way to honor the life of his mother, Betty Smothers, a police officer and security guard, killed during a robbery attempt while working as an off-duty police officer in Baton Rouge. Title sponsor Prudential Tropical Realty and in-kind sponsor Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership contribute to furnishing and equipping each home. For more information visit: www.warrickdunnfoundation.org.

Aaron Rents, Inc., based in Atlanta, currently has more than 1,525 Company–operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada for the rental and sale of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and household appliances. The Company also manufactures furniture, bedding and accessories at 13 facilities in five states. Aaron’s stores offer customers access to high quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers for sale or on a lease-ownership arrangement.

Prudential Tropical Realty has 12 offices located throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties and consistently ranks among the top three real estate companies in the area. Locally owned and operated since 1959, the Prudential Tropical Realty team offers residential, commercial, property management, relocation, title, and mortgage services. Prudential Tropical Realty is a proud title sponsor of the Warrick Dunn Foundation’s Homes for the Holidays program.