 |
||||||||||
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
||||||
News Releases
Homes for the Holidays, a program of the Warrick Dunn Foundation, awarded two new homes to single mothers in the Tampa Bay area this morning. TAMPA, Fla. (November 29, 2005)—Homes for the Holidays, a program of the Warrick Dunn Foundation, awarded two new homes to single mothers in the Tampa Bay area this morning. In West Pasco County, Nancy Bevilacqua and her 13-year-old son Carl, realized the dream of homeownership when Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn presented the keys to their two bedroom, one bath home at a presentation which also included the filming of a HBO special scheduled to air in December. "I always had faith that if I kept doing the right thing everything would work out somehow, but I had no idea it could ever be something like this. I know so many people, including Warrick Dunn, have worked hard to make all of this happen and I am so grateful," Bevilacqua said. "It reinforces the humanity I try to teach my son." Built by volunteers with West Pasco Habitat for Humanity, the home is fully furnished by the Warrick Dunn Foundation and its partners, title sponsor Prudential Tropical Realty and in-kind sponsor Aaron’s Sales and Lease. From groceries to toothbrushes, and in this case a piano, the home is furnished top to bottom in an effort to relieve the debt that often comes with the purchase of furniture and equipment that converts a house into a home. "What I think I will do now is donate the items I have been collecting over the past year for my new home," Bevilacqua said. Bevilacqua will now be able to spend more time at home with Carl because the Foundation made a special purchase of a piano. Bevilacqua, who needed to earn extra money, will now be able teach private piano lessons without having to leave her new home. A dog bed, laid ready for the family’s Labrador mix, which has been in foster care, awaited in the living room as well. Shortly after the presentation of Bevilacqua’s home, Yolanda Blount, a single-mother of four boys ages 7-15, awaited the closing of her new home in St. Petersburg. Blount completed 400 ‘sweat equity’ hours through Pinellas Habitat for Humanity for the family’s first home and was shocked and overwhelmed when she immediately recognized Warrick Dunn and partner Shelton Quarles from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "I have always dreamed of having a house for my boys to grow up in," Blount said. "I am thankful to have a safe and stable home in which to raise my children." The dream of homeownership is now fulfilled for a total of 54 moms and 140 children in the Foundation’s ninth year of assisting single mothers become first time homeowners. 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. Prudential Tropical Realty, Aaron’s Sales and Lease and Albertson’s contribute to furnishing and equipping each home. For more information visit: www.warrickdunnfoundation.org.
|
|
 |
||||||||
 | ||||||||||