(Photo: Google Images)
ESPN is reporting former NFL running back Warrick Dunn has provided housing for nearly 140 single mothers via his non-profit Warrick Dunn Charities. The three-time Pro Bowler played in the NFL for 11 years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.
A philanthropist, Dunn founded two charities in order to help single-parent families succeed. In 1997, he founded Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) and subsequently Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC) in 2002.
HFTH recipient families are chosen through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity affiliates and WDC and provided with complete home furnishings and down-payment assistance. Dunn’s goal is to help single-mothers obtain home ownership. As of 2015, he has helped 139 single-mothers become first-time homeowners.
(Photo Credit: Google Images)
Dunn has been recognized for his philanthropy by numerous organizations. In 2005, Dunn received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award which “recognizes a player for his community service as well as for his excellence on the field.” In 2007, the Florida State University standout received the Giant Steps Award in civic leadership from former President Bill Clinton. Following Hurricane Katrina, Dunn, a Baton Rouge native, challenged all NFL players, except for those who play for the New Orleans Saints, to donate at least $5,000 to the effort. The effort received over $5 million in contributions.
Dunn, who holds an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, plans to continue helping single-parents achieve home ownership and collaborating with celebrities to get them more involved in charitable work.
Read more about Warrick Dunn at MyAJC.com.
This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.
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