100th Home Celebration
Warrick Dunn, President Jimmy Carter, Roger Goodelland Arthur Blank Welcome 100th Family
When Janice Cantrell entered her new home today, she was surprised to find a houseful of furniture and appliances, a $5,000 check toward her down payment, and even a fully stocked refrigerator – all courtesy of The Warrick Dunn Family Foundation (WD-FF).
The surprise presentation was the 100th such occasion for WD-FF’s Homes for the Holidays program, which was initiated by former NFL star Warrick Dunn in honor of his late mother.
Since 1997, WD-FF has awarded more than $2 million in furnishings and $500,000 in down payment assistance to deserving single-parent families in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, La., and Tallahassee and Tampa, Fla. 
This morning, Warrick Dunn, former President Jimmy Carter, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank were on hand to congratulate the family, whose new three-bedroom home was built by Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.
In recent years, Cantrell has tragically lost two children and a nephew to gun violence. In 2004 she adopted her nephew, now 14. Also living with her is a 21 year-old daughter who recently delivered Cantrell’s sixth grandchild.
Dunn, an All-Pro running back and Atlanta Falcons limited partner, started Homes for the Holidays to honor the home ownership dream of his late mother, Betty Smothers. A Baton Rouge police officer, she was tragically killed in an armed robbery during an after-hours shift. Dunn was 18 years-old at the time, and became a de facto single parent for his five younger siblings.
“My mother’s dream was the American Dream – of home ownership,” Dunn said. “She would be proud to know that, in her honor, 100 families have been recognized for and assisted in fully realizing that dream.”
Former President Carter, a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, stressed the importance of stable housing and economic independence as effective means to combat poverty.
“Rosalynn and I long have been supporters of Habitat for Humanity, and we commend Warrick Dunn and his foundation for the support he has provided for single parent households,” Carter said. “This is a fitting tribute to Warrick’s mother, and we are pleased to be here on this special day.”
Both Blank and Goodell noted Dunn’s impact on athletic philanthropy.
“During Warrick’s tenure with the Falcons – and throughout his NFL career – Warrick represented the highest of standards on and off the field,” Blank said. “His commitment to providing hope and opportunities to others through his foundation continues to set an example for players throughout the National Football League.”
“I’m proud of our players and the ways they choose to help their communities. Warrick is the epitome of that,” said Goodell. “He’s given back in a way that is special to him, and I wanted to be here to support him.”
As Homes for the Holidays’ presenting sponsor, Aaron’s Inc., donated furniture ranging from beds and mattresses to dressers and dining room tables.
1997-2010 Homes for the Holidays Recipients
