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Regular Session, 2013
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 55
BY SENATOR BROOME
SENATE. Designates May 15, 2013, as "Warrick Dunn Charities Day at the Capitol".
A RESOLUTION1
To designate May 15, 2013. as "Warrick Dunn Charities Day at the Capitol".2
WHEREAS, through its Homes for the Holidays program, now in its sixteenth year,3
Warrick Dunn Charities has helped 123 single parents and 334 children continue to achieve4
long-term stability as a homeowner with the majority of its recipients coming from all across5
Louisiana; and 6
WHEREAS, Homes for the Holidays rewards self-sufficient single parents who are7
actively trying to improve their lives through financial independence; and8
WHEREAS, by providing down payment assistance when these parents are ready to9
buy their first house, and then furnishing those houses with everything a first-time10
homeowner needs, parents are given the unique opportunity to establish a positive home11
environment where their children can thrive educationally, socially and economically; and12
WHEREAS, Betty's Hope is the second program of Warrick Dunn Charities launched13
in July 2012; and14
WHEREAS, the "bereavement program on wheels" is a free community service to15
the city of Baton Rouge with hopes of expansion; and16
WHEREAS, the Mobile Hope unit is a unique, innovative rolling grief support17
resource that will bring the Betty's Hope mission and vision for grief support into18 SR NO. 55
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neighborhoods and schools; and1
WHEREAS, the program is available to schools and community centers to access on2
a scheduled basis, and according to the specific needs of Louisiana children; and 3
WHEREAS, Warrick Dunn grew up the oldest of six children in a single-parent4
household; and5
WHEREAS, his mother, Betty Smothers, was a Baton Rouge police officer who6
worked tirelessly to provide for her family so that one day she could realize the dream of7
home ownership; and8
WHEREAS, tragically, Betty was killed during an armed robbery when Warrick was9
only a senior in high school; and10
WHEREAS, moved by the outpouring of support following his mother's death,11
Warrick promised to one day give back to the community that had given so much to him and12
his siblings during their time of need; and13
WHEREAS, despite his dire circumstances, Warrick went on to graduate from14
Florida State University, where he also laid the foundation for a successful football career;15
and16
WHEREAS, after being drafted in the first round by the NFL in 1997, Warrick began17
delivering on his promise and has not stopped since.18
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana19
does hereby designate May 15, 2013, as "Warrick Dunn Charities Day at the Capitol".20
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to21
Warrick Dunn Charities.22
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Jerry J. Guillot.
DIGEST
Broome SR No. 55
Designates May 15, 2013, as "Warrick Dunn Charities Day at the Capitol".