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Regular Session, 2013 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 55
BY SENATOR BROOME
A RESOLUTION
To designate May 15, 2013, as "Warrick Dunn Charities Day at the Capitol".
WHEREAS, through its Homes for the Holidays program, now in its sixteenth year,
Warrick Dunn Charities has helped 123 single parents and 334 children continue to achieve
long-term stability as homeowners with the majority of its recipients coming from all across
Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Homes for the Holidays rewards self-sufficient single parents who are
actively trying to improve their lives through financial independence; and
WHEREAS, by providing down payment assistance when these parents are ready to
buy their first house, and then furnishing those houses with everything a first-time
homeowner needs, parents are given the unique opportunity to establish a positive home
environment where their children can thrive educationally, socially and economically; and
WHEREAS, Betty's Hope is the second program of Warrick Dunn Charities launched
in July 2012; and
WHEREAS, the "bereavement program on wheels" is a free community service to
the city of Baton Rouge with hopes of expansion; and
WHEREAS, the Mobile Hope unit is a unique, innovative rolling grief support
resource that will bring the Betty's Hope mission and vision for grief support into
neighborhoods and schools; and
WHEREAS, the program is available to schools and community centers to access on
a scheduled basis, and according to the specific needs of Louisiana children; and
WHEREAS, Warrick Dunn grew up the oldest of six children in a single-parent
household; and
WHEREAS, his mother, Betty Smothers, was a Baton Rouge police officer who
worked tirelessly to provide for her family so that one day she could realize the dream of
home ownership; and SR NO. 55 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, tragically, Betty was killed during an armed robbery when Warrick was
only a senior in high school; and
WHEREAS, moved by the outpouring of support following his mother's death,
Warrick promised to one day give back to the community that had given so much to him and
his siblings during their time of need; and
WHEREAS, despite his dire circumstances, Warrick went on to graduate from
Florida State University, where he also laid the foundation for a successful football career;
and
WHEREAS, after being drafted in the first round by the NFL in 1997, Warrick began
delivering on his promise and has not stopped since.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby designate May 15, 2013, as "Warrick Dunn Charities Day at the Capitol".
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Warrick Dunn Charities.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE