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Charities we have helped:

United Cerebral Palsy

Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue

The Warrick Dunn Foundation

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

American Cancer Society

Ronald McDonald House

"Defining Athletic Heroism"

Warrick Dunn has played 12 seasons in the NFL.  Throughout his career he has always exceeded the expectations that were placed on him.  His longevity and success may someday earn him a place in the NFL Hall of Fame.

In this day and age when we describe professional athletes, we often toss around the term “hero” way too often.  In the case of Warrick Dunn, you would not be overestimating his accomplishments if you used the term.

Warrick and his five siblings were raised by his mother, whose job as a police officer helped support them.  Sadly, Warrick’s mom was killed in the line of duty when he was a senior in high school.  She never had the chance to complete the American dream and own a home for her family.

Upon being drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Bucs, Warrick did not waste all his money on gold chains, fancy sports cars and huge waterfront mansions (actually, he may have bought some of that stuff… I’m just guessing).  Instead, he started the Warrick Dunn Foundation, whose mission is to provide opportunities for economically-disadvantaged single parents and children who have demonstrated a commitment to achieve financial independence and stability.

To this day, the Warrick Dunn Foundation has assisted 84 single parents and 224 dependents achieve first time home ownership.  For his efforts, Warrick was awarded the 2004 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.  This award honors a player’s volunteer and charity work, as well as his excellence off the field.

I think it was well deserved.

 

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TO:                Warrick Dunn
FROM:            Scott Riecke
SUBJ:             Warrick Dunn Foundation

DATE:             April 9, 2009

Dear Mr. Dunn,

As a football fan, I have followed your career since your years at Florida State.  Since that time, “the experts” have always questioned whether someone with your 5’9”, 185 pound stature can hold up to the pounding an NFL running back receives during the course of a season.  Every year you seem to prove them wrong. 

Not only do you prove these so-called “experts” wrong, but you have amassed a career that would be deemed impressive for an NFL running back of any size – over 60 touchdowns, almost 11,000 yards rushing and over 500 receptions which is a very impressive number for a running back, reminiscent of Thurman Thomas.  One day perhaps you will be alongside Thurman in the Hall of Fame.

There is no doubt your longevity and success is a tribute to your toughness and a great work ethic.  It takes a lot of heart and willpower to work as hard as needed to be a success in the NFL for 10+ seasons at any size.  Then again, after reading the story of how you began The Warrick Dunn Foundation, perhaps we shouldn’t be so surprised.  It is very clear that you have a big heart.

In recent years some professional athletes have clearly delineated their positions as athletes and not as role models, opting for a decrease in responsibility even though it represented no such decrease in salary.  Thankfully, there are other athletes like you that go the extra mile to set a responsible, if not noble example to their young fans.  In addition to your athletic accomplishments, the generosity you show through your foundation by donating your time and money to building homes for single parents is refreshing.

After reading your story, it is easy to see why you would support such a great cause.  Often times, single mothers are looked at as people who may have willfully or irresponsibly put themselves in a position where they cannot provide for their children – whether that be providing them with basic needs such as food and shelter or instilling values such as the importance of getting an education and staying away from drugs and violence.  Obviously that is not always the case and often times the victims aren’t necessarily the parents, but the kids.

My wife and I have donated $50 to your cause in the hopes that maybe it will help single mothers raise their children in your mold – hard working, compassionate and generous.  Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward to seeing you on the field somewhere in 2009.

Sincerely,

Scott Riecke

 

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