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DEL.ICIO.USWarrick Dunn takes the stage for charity
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photos by Curtis Compton
Warrick Dunn, the Buccaneer-turned-Falcon-turned-Buccaneer, was back in the town he prefers Monday night.
“Atlanta’s like a mini New York and L.A. rolled into one,” Dunn said at the reception prior to his foundation’s annual fashion show at the Buckhead Westin.
“I miss the restaurants” in Atlanta, the once and present Tampa Bay Buccaneer running back said.
He’s received a warm welcome back from the Bucs, though.
“They’ve really accepted me,” he said. “The guys in the front office have done a great job making me feel like I never left.”
Dunn, whose foundation has provided homes for 78 single-parent homes and 205 dependents and children since 1997, starred as usual in his show. So did a few of his past and present teammates.
Falcons defensive end Jonathan Babineaux, shown below in blue, seemed made for the stage.
“Some guys like to lay low, some like to be real flashy,” he said at the pre-party. “I’m kind of in between.”
He displayed his sense of style on his wrist, with a white and canary-colored diamond bracelet with a bold masculine design. It was a gift from his brother, Seattle Seahawks player Jordan Babineaux
Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran, a fixture at Dunn’s charitable events over the years, was ready to model again. (He was hoping to avoid wearing another fur coat down the runway. No dice.)
Sidelined for two years with injuries, Finneran had hoped to play with Dunn again.
“Now I get to play against him,” he said.
Falcons defensive back Lawyer Milloy was at the party, but didn’t participate in the fashion show.
“I’m not pretty enough,” he joked.
But he is a fashion-forward kind of guy, always keen to coordinate.
“I like to match,” he said. “If I’m wearing black shoes, I’m wearing black underwear.”
(Yes, that’s really what he said.)
Milloy did turn heads - well, this one at least - with his dazzling 3-ct. diamond stud earrings.
“You can’t have them,” he chided.
Before the show, Mayor Shirley Franklin took the stage to welcome Dunn back to Atlanta and salute the good work he’s done. His foundation works with families here, in Tampa Bay, in Dunn’s native Baton Rouge, La. and in Tallahassee, where he went to school at Florida State University.
“This is the kind of role model we need,” Franklin said. “A great guy, giving back to the community. We love you in Atlanta. You can come back any time.”
Dunn’s foundation was inspired by his mother’s untimely death. Betty Smothers was a Baton Rouge police officer shot in the line of duty.
“My mom died almost 15 years ago,” Dunn said. “I’ve had the opportunity and blessing to have other people live her dream for me.”
Comments
By Angela
October 14, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Hello Warren:
As a single parent of a 19yr college bound daughter, I commend you to the fullest extent. You don’t see to many men looking out for single parents, the way you do. I would like to thank you for all that you do. Your mom did a great job in raising such a thoughtful and giving man. I know your mom is smiling down on you. You are not just a football player in my eyes, you are a hero,and a savior to these women, Not to mention your a good looking man.(I had to throw that in there). So keep being you and making a world a better place. angela
By amanda
October 14, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
WARRICK!
What an inspiration you are:) Thank you for giving to the 2 Dekalb Officer’s families who lost a loved one less than a year ago. My husband worked with them and was so impressed by you. Honestly, he was impressed before because he can relate to your mother being an officer.
Thank you for keeping it real and having a huge heart and actually CARING about people. You are so different from alot of other “people.” I will forever respect you….
By amanda
October 14, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
WARRICK!
What an inspiration you are:) Thank you for giving to the 2 Dekalb Officer’s families who lost a loved one less than a year ago. My husband worked with them and was so impressed by you. Honestly, he was impressed before because he can relate to your mother being an officer.
Thank you for keeping it real and having a huge heart and actually CARING about people. You are so different from alot of other “people.” I will forever respect you….
By amanda
October 14, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
WARRICK!
What an inspiration you are:) Thank you for giving to the 2 Dekalb Officer’s families who lost a loved one less than a year ago. My husband worked with them and was so impressed by you. Honestly, he was impressed before because he can relate to your mother being an officer.
Thank you for keeping it real and having a huge heart and actually CARING about people. You are so different from alot of other “people.” I will forever respect you….
By jr
October 14, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Warwick Dunn is always a class act, Falcon, Bucaneer it doesn’t matter! He has done and contnues to do so much for others and never expects anything in return. I believe he is one of the few that know where all the blessings come from.
By Sissy Vaughan
November 6, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Warwick, I just watched the segment on the Today show that talked about all of the great things you do for single mothers. Every time I see or read an article about your charity work, I think about how proud your mother, Betty would be. Betty Smothers was one of my favorite customers along w/ her partner Leonard who used to shop frequently at a Baton Rouge store that I worked at. Your mother was so sweet, funny and always had a smile on her face. She would be very proud of you!!!
By ERNESTINE JAMES
December 10, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
WARWICK I WORK AT WEST FELICIANA LIBRARY IN SAINT FRANCISVILLE LA. WE ARE HAVING OUR ERNEST GAINES AUTHOR OF THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. JANE PITTMAN ALSO THE UPCOMING MARTIN LUTHER BIRTHDAY. THE KICKOFF IS JAN. 15th. WE ARE ALSO SHOWCASING MR. GAINES BOOK A LESSON BEFORE DYING. WE WOULD BE EVER SO GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD COME AND GIVE A SPEECH TO OUR YOUNGSTERS.MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU FOREVER IN MY PRAYERS.ERNESTINE JAMES.E-MAIL coolmommaej@yahoo.com.IF AT ALL POSSIBLE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE. MAY GOD BLESS AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY.