'Life-changing': FSU, NFL's Warrick Dunn connects with similar families through charitable acts

The season of giving is year-round for Warrick Dunn.

The former Florida State and NFL (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons) running back returned to Tallahassee to assist a pair of single parents achieve first-time homeownership through his Warrick Dunn Charities and the Big Bend Habitat for Humanity.

The families, who will be homed next door to each other, were each surprised with a $5,000 down payment assistance check from Warrick Dunn Charities and $10,000 worth of furnishings from Aaron’s.

The houses were financially sponsored by the City of Tallahassee and built in part by employees on city-donated land. They were the 213th and 214th overall home celebrations for the WDC ― the thirteenth and fourteenth in Tallahassee.

"I just think everywhere that I've lived have played a part of my growth and development," Dunn said. "The relationships that I've built in Tallahassee and at Florida State understand my journey.

"Tallahassee is always going to be home for me and played a vital role for my development and growth."

Dunn, who is a product of a single-parent household, was born in New Orleans ― raised in Baton Rouge, as the oldest of six siblings. His mother, Betty Smothers, was a Baton Rouge Police Officer was killed off-duty while working as a security guard just two days following Dunn's 18th birthday.

His mother's passing forced Dunn to become the head of the household and oversee his five younger siblings while he juggled being an All-American running back at Catholic High School ― which afforded him the opportunity to play for the Seminoles.

Therefore, his upbringing comes from a sense of relation to those that he help in the community.

"I had a lot of responsibility early and felt like (my siblings) were my kids at times since I was raising them," Dunn said. "My mom was working was so much just to provide the basics. I just wanted to really help families that may have had a similar journey or some struggles.

"I didn't want other kids to feel the way that I felt in losing a mom or parent early on in life and not really be able to really grow and cherish those moments."

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Warrick Dunn Charities home recipients grateful for support during surprise presentations

William, a father of two, was presented his home first. His son is stationed in the Philippines as a Marine and his daughter attends school in South Carolina.

William is originally from Georgia and has a love for cooking.

Former FSU fullback and Dunn's college teammate William Floyd presented William the keys to his new home which included a Master Forge grill for him to chef up some meals.

William is the fifth father to be presented a home through WDC.

"I'm really at a loss for words this morning," William said. "I just want to say thank you to Big Bend Habitat for Humanity for all their hard work and dedication that they've given to me and my family in helping us to build our home and putting us a step forward in life.

"It's great. It's beautiful. I promise, I will cook you all some great meals."

Next, Luann was presented her home by Aaron's Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion and WDC board of director Kendall Jacobs.

Luann, originally from Los Angeles, was widowed after her husband, Manuel, passed away from cancer ― leaving behind two children.

"You all have given me the tools and confidence to make this happen," Luann said. "All the sweat and laughter that you all gave to this house is all here within these walls.

"Thank you so much."

Warrick Dunn's charitable acts to continue as he moves towards expansion

Dunn has helped over 200 families obtain homeownership.

But the glow on the recipients' faces will never be one that gets old to the 1993 national champion and three-time Pro Bowl running back.

"It's a life-changing moment," Dunn said. "You think about those days that it may be a rough day for you ― I can really reflect back on moments like this. The reward and sacrifice that individuals make helps me continue to grow.

"We don't give handouts ― we give hand-ups. I'm thankful that I'm able to help individuals in doing the work and are passionate about helping themselves."

The work doesn't stop now.

Dunn wants to continue his charitable acts as he continues to serve his communities. One step to growth is to reach bigger market cities along with aiding more fathers.

"Just going to keep hustling, keep grinding, keep going," Dunn said. "We're trying to see if we can continue to grow and help more people and expand to more markets, more cities ― NFL cities. Try to help more fathers as well.

"Housing is a huge crisis and we want to continue to grow and help more people."

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Former FSU, NFL RB Warrick Dunn brings charitable work to Tallahassee