American
Youth Football Names Atlanta Falcons Running Back Warrick
Dunn: Giving Back Pro of the Year
A commitment to helping others, communityservice, and volunteerism – the foundation on which the Giving Back Program of American Youth Football (AYF), the largest youth football and cheer organization in the country, is built. From the many AYF volunteers who give selfless hours of their time, to the youth who give back to their community via AYF community projects, the dedication to enrich the lives of others is our mission. When we see these traits in individuals who share our vision and act upon it, we are compelled to acknowledge their efforts, which is why AYF has chosen Warrick Dunn to be our Giving Back Pro of the Year.
His Homes for the Holidays Program helps struggling single mothers purchase homes through a down payment provided by Dunn, who also partners with area sponsors to fill the homes with furnishings, appliances, and food for the deserving family. To date, 74 single parents and 192 dependents in Atlanta, GA, Baton Rouge, LA, and Tampa, FL have benefited from his program and his generosity. Warrick established the program in 1997 in memory of his mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer killed in the line of duty in 1993.
Warrick’s charitable efforts off the field have been recognized before. Hereceived the Giant Steps Award in Civic Leadership from former President Clinton for his work with single mothers and the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the only NFL award that recognizes a player for hiscommunity service as well as for his excellence on the field.
Homes for the Holidays is the primary focus of the Warrick Dunn Foundation, established in 2002 in an effort to expand the program. We at AYF are pleased to call Warrick Dunn our 2008 Giving Back Pro of the Year and for exemplifying to the youngsters and communities we serve what it means to Give Back.
