St. Charles, MO, February 13, 2013 – Former St. Louis Rams QB Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda, are spreading the love through their First Things First Foundation and in partnership with Aaron’s, U-Haul, Amway and Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County.
Today, the organizations teamed up to reward the hard work and determination of two single mothers by surprising them with all the furnishings to turn their new houses into homes.
Through the “Homes for the Holidays” program, the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation rewards unsuspecting first-time homeowners by working with corporate partners to fill the houses with everything a first-time homeowner would need.
Aaron’s Inc. generously provided all furniture and a computer valued at approximately $10,000 per home. U-Haul provided in-kind and volunteer support to shop and set-up the home. Amway donated air purification systems, kitchen equipment, and cleaning supplies valued at $4,000 for both homes. In addition to coordinating the furniture donations and grocery and furnishing shopping, the First Things First Foundation provided monetary grants to support the families.
The “Homes for the Holidays” program was initiated in 1997 by former NFL running back Warrick Dunn. Locally, the First Things First Foundation teams with community organizations dedicated to affordable homeownership such as Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County to find eligible candidates who are working hard to better their lives and those of their children by taking the necessary steps to buy a new home.
Nomination forms are completed by affordable housing representatives and reviewed and selected by the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation. Including the families blessed today, the First Things First Foundation has surprised a total of 29 families with a cumulative 67 kids with “Homes for the Holidays” in St. Louis(13), Iowa(4), New Jersey(1) and Arizona(11).
“I remember struggling as a single mom trying to make ends meet. It is such a privilege to be able to reward Courtney and Felicia for their hard work in providing a stable environment for their children,” Brenda Warner explained.
Kurt Warner added, “Today we celebrate the power of teamwork and dreams realized! This could not have been possible without the incredible generosity of Aaron’s, U-Haul, and Amway!”
Nancy Cope, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. said the organization is delighted to be working with the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation.
"Their donation of furnishings and much more for Courtney and Felicia is a blessing for these partnership families, and an incredible gift. As the Horner and Robinson families look to the future, they will always remember today with joy and thanks. All of us at Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Homes for the Holidays team to support our partnership families with a hand up-not a hand out,” she said.
