TAMPA, Fla. (Tuesday, May 6, 2008)— Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn, presented three single mothers the keys to their new homes through Homes for the Holidays, a program of his Foundation, in Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

Christine Bonilla and her five children were greeted by Dunn along the barricaded street of their new home in Dade City, Fla. Unaware of his Foundation’s program, Bonilla quickly realized she was a recipient when she opened the door to her four-bedroom, one and a half bathroom home, filled with everything a first-time home owner needs to make a house a home.

The home, built by East Pasco Habitat for Humanity, required Bonilla and her family to donate 400 sweat equity hours toward the construction of their home.

Homes for the Holidays, presented by Prudential Tropical Realty, provides down-payment assistance including linens, lawn care products, televisions and more. Through in-kind sponsor Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, the home is fully furnished and stocked with new appliances.

“I was worried about my children having to sleep on the floor,” said 37-year-old single mother Christine Bonilla. “This is truly a blessing and I am so thankful.”

Dunn started Homes for the Holidays during his rookie year with the Buccaneers in 1997 as a way to honor his mother’s dream of owning her own home. His mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer was killed in the line of duty while working a second job to provide for her six children and never realized her dream of home ownership.

In honor of her dream and the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday, Dunn shared her dream with two additional Tampa Bay families.

“We are not giving families a handout, we give families the opportunity to better their lives,” Dunn said.

The second home presentation, in partnership with the City of Tampa and the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc., assisted 27-year-old Natasha Roberts and her 9-year-old son Donte and 8-year-old daughter Tashell.

“All I have to do is bring my pictures and my clothing and I’m home,” said Roberts in appreciation of the home décor.

Dunn also presented title sponsor Prudential Tropical Realty with a plaque in appreciate of the company’s three-year, $300,000 cash contribution to the Warrick Dunn Foundation.

The third home presentation, also in conjunction with the City of Tampa, welcomed Joilee Hazley, 48, and her 12 and 14-year-old sons, into their new home. Hazley spent nearly four years searching for a home fit for her and her family.

When asked by Dunn the best lesson learned, Hazley said to continue pressing forward and to always have hope and faith.

Approaching its 12th year, Homes for the Holidays has assisted 77 single parents and 201 children and dependents in Tampa and Tallahassee, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Atlanta, Georgia achieve the American dream of owning a home.

EDITOR’S NOTES: Recipient Information:

House # 1: Dade City, FL Christine Bonilla, 37, Single-Mother Julio Arcadio, 20, M Angela Arcadio, 18, F Cassandra Bonilla, 1, F Celena Bonilla, 12, F Cirino Bonilla, 10, M

House #2: Tampa, FL Natasha Roberts, 27, Single-Mother Donte Moore, 9, M Tashell Moore, 8, F

House # 3: Tampa, FL Joilee Hazley, 48, Single-Mother Nick, 12, M Caleb, 14, M

Homes for the Holidays was established by the Warrick Dunn Foundation in 1997, to honor the life of his mother, Betty Smothers, a police officer and security guard, killed during a robbery attempt while working as an off-duty police officer in Baton Rouge. Prudential Tropical Realty, Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership contribute to furnishing and equipping each home. For more information visit: warrickdunnfoundation.org.

###