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DEL.ICIO.USWarrick Dunn, Model Citizen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is there a nicer guy than Warrick Dunn?
The big-hearted Falcons running back hosted the fifth annual gala benefiting his foundation at the Westin Buckhead Monday night. (Stay tuned for photos, coming soon!)
The Warrick Dunn Foundation’s “Homes for the Holidays” program has assisted 69 single mothers and 181 children and dependents to achieve first-time homeownership, as of May.
The program honors the memory of Dunn’s mother, Betty, a Baton Rouge police officer killed in the line of duty when Dunn was a teenager.
“I would like to thank my mom,” Dunn said during remarks to the crowd Monday night. “She’s the most important person in my life.”
Before the gala, which featured a fashion show starring Dunn and several of his teammates, he mingled with a smaller crowd at the Palm, where his cariacture has joined the wall of fame.
“I just hope they don’t take it down,” he joked, after adding his signature. “I may request a table in that area, so I can look at myself while I eat.”
The crowd at the pre-bash bash included R&B artist Ne-Yo, his manager Tango and branding agent Bytuah Gonsahn; Spanx rep Misty Elliott and a slew of folks from Publix, one of the sponsors for the evening, including Lisa Clarke, Bridgid O’Connor and Tanya Coleman.
Upstairs, Dunn welcomed Sheronda Anthony, a 2006 Homes for the Holidays Atlanta recipient, along with her daughter Shontika.
“They have been absolutely great to us,” said a beaming Anthony, adding that she married earlier this year.
Spotting the groom in the audience, Dunn quipped, “You might have to pay me back!”
After a dazzling performance by electric violinist Ken Ford, it was time for the fashionable Falcons to take the stage.
Alge Crumpler seemed especially at home on the catwalk, blowing kisses and lifting his shirt to showcase his physique. Jerious Norwood struck all kinds of poses and Michael Jenkins took off his cap and bowed.
Keith Brooking and Adam Jennings also hammed it up a little, while Brian Finneran drove the ladies wild by taking off his jacket and slinging it over his shoulder before strolling down the runway.
The loudest applause, of course, was for Dunn, as handsome as he is humble.
Comments
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By markscottmusic.com
October 5, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Talk about a class act. I met Warrick when he first came to town and started up his Homes for the Holidays program here. This is the guy who should have the top selling Falcons jersey… A great football player and a great person. Keep up the great work, Warrick!
By sam snelling
October 5, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Warrick Dunn—one of the very best in NFL.
By Diogenes
October 5, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
In a professional sports environment filled with the thuggish, anti-social antics of the Michael Vicks and Pacman Joneses of the world, Warrick Dunn is a welcome breath of fresh air. I’ve never personally met the man, but everything I’ve heard from everyone who knows him has been positive to the point of reverence. Hat’s off to Dunn here.
By Susan
October 5, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
The Falcons and Air Tran have every right to be proud of Warrick Dunn. Not only is he a good ball player, but an outstanding citizen worthy of all accolades.
By Nicki
October 5, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
What a great job Warrick is doing!! Not only is he a great ball player, but also a great man as well. Such a blessing to all that he encounters and meets and such a blessing to women and children, as a whole..I’m sure his mom is beaming down on him!!! Truly a role model for our young boys/men to follow…Warrick, please keep up the awesome work!!
By Tish's Girl
October 5, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
Yes, Warrick is a great person on and off the field. He is Tish’s man!!!
By Janet Kinney
October 5, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Atlanta needs to be proud of Warrick Dunn! Tampa had him where he did the same for single mothers. God has blessed him with the talent to play football and with a giving heart.
By Tom Stewart
October 5, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Warrick has always been a class act! From his days at FSU to the Falcons! Beautiful football player, even better human being! A pleasure to watch!
By Teresa
October 5, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Warrick Dunn is one of the, if not the best, players to play football on the collegiate and the professional level. Starting at Florida State University and now with the Falcons, Warrick Dunn is an honorable man on and off the field.He is second to none.
By LB
October 5, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
A true gentleman with a heart for others I have been following Warrick Dunn since he broke on the scene as a freshman at Florida State University. He has always conducted himself with dignity and class. There can never be enough press coverage of Warrick and his generous acts. You know his late mother is proud of her oldest son.
By Anne
October 6, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
We loved him in Tampa, and still do. Atlanta is lucky to have him, but we’re hoping he comes back to live. Another ex-Buc and genuine good guy, Coach Tony Dungy, still has his home here. Happy Holiday Homes, Warren!
By Eric B. Jones
October 6, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Warrick Dunn is a class act. I went to school with him at Florida State University. I even had a couple of classes with him. He is a really intelligent guy.
By devyn
October 6, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
good job,and keep up the good work
By Ms. B
October 6, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
Warrick is such a blessing to single mothers and their children in Atlanta. We need more professional athletes to step up to the plate and help those less fortunate. Keep up the good work Warrick.
God’s Blessings to You!
By Tee from Florida
October 6, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
Warrick Dunn is a great person. His mother would be proud of the man that he has become. Keep up the good work Warrick
By Bettie
October 6, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Keep up the good work and God will continously Bless you.
Love you and God Bless, Bettie
By Casual Observer
October 6, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick, Dumb@$$
Mike Vick, Inarticulate Thug
Mike Vick, Dog Murderer
Mike Vick, Herpes Spreader
Mike Vick, EX-Pro Quarterback
Mike Vick, Failure as a Human Being
By lanerone
October 7, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Warrick is the kind of guy who makes you consider using the products he endorses, unlike Vick, who always made me consider other products (his behavior wasn’t exactly high class before his doggie problems). Advertisers take notice! A true charitable person, not one just out to get his name in the news.
By DB
October 8, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this
My son’s first — and, subsequently, ONLY — “sports jersey”, other than various world soccer team jerseys, was Warrick Dunn’s from Florida State. My son is now 19 years old, and has it tucked in the back of his closet. He also has a Tampa jersey and, of course, a Falcon jersey. When asked on a college application which sports figure he most admired, he cited Warrick Dunn — and had plenty of reasons to back up his choice. Mr. Dunn is truly a man worthy of admiration.