CHARITY FOCUS: Athletes and their Foundations

Sportunes has dedicated Sundays to those athletes that have been able to offer support to the betterment of the human race. Last week we saw how Albert Pujols and his Pujols Family Foundation have bettered the lives of those living with Down syndrome in America and how he's improved the lives of the impoverished in the Dominican Republic and supporting people with disabilities and/or life threatening illnesses (HERE)... This week our Charitable Athlete goes to Warrick Dunn.

Warrick Dunn

Warrick Dunn is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State.

The 38 year old grew up the oldest of six children in a single-parent household. His mother, Betty Smothers, was a Baton Rouge, Louisiana police officer who worked tirelessly to provide for her family – and to one day realize the dream of home ownership. Tragically, Betty was killed during an armed robbery when Warrick was only a senior in high school.

Moved by the outpouring of support following his mother's death, Warrick promised to one day give back to the community that had given so much to him and his siblings during their time of need.

And giving back he did, as he established the  Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) program in 1997, and started Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC) in 2002.

Vision and Mission of WDC

'Warrick Dunn Charities envisions communities coming together to support and inspire – while instilling self-reliance and hope. It is our mission to improve lives through innovative programming inspired by Warrick Dunn's life journey.
The mission of the Homes for the Holidays program is to provide opportunities for economically-disadvantaged single parents and children who have demonstrated a commitment to achieving financial independence and stability through home ownership.'

Now in its 15th year, Homes for the Holidays has helped 127 single parents and 344 children – in Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Tampa and Tallahassee – realize the security of a home of their own.


Continuing his mission of providing opportunities for parents and their children, WDC launched Betty’s Hope in 2012. Named after Dunn’s mother, Betty Smothers, the mobile children’s bereavement program works to empower youth as they manage their grief in a responsive environment to heal and enhance their quality of life.

Dunn's achievements have been recognized over the years. He received a Giant Steps Award in civic leadership from former President Bill Clinton for his program. In 2005, Dunn was presented with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award; named after the Chicago Bears running back who died in 1999, the award is the only NFL award that recognizes a player for his community service as well as for his excellence on the field. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Dunn 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.

'I did not grow up with many material things, but I was surrounded by the love of family, friends and coaches. My single mother worked overtime to put food on the table and a roof over our heads. And when I was only 18, I lost her to a violent crime. Through her life – and death – my Mom taught me how to give of myself to those in need. The work of this foundation is dedicated to her.'


God bless the real ones!