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Buc Hits Another Home Run

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE

cwade@tampatrib.com

Published: January 28, 2009

TAMPA - Jacqueline Caceres turned the corner of Rhode Island Drive and 76th Street and saw the hordes of TV news cameras, construction workers and politicians.

She smiled, nervously, and kept walking with her three sons, ages 2, 5, and 11, in tow.

Minutes later, the crowd clustered around Caceres as she turned the key to her new home, presented by the Warrick Dunn Foundation and Habitat For Humanity.

"Words can't express how we feel right now," said Caceres, a single mother. "I can't thank you guys enough for everything that you've done for us. We are touched."

Since 1997, Dunn has helped provide down-payment assistance to 84 economically disadvantaged, single-parent families. The foundation, through its title sponsor, Prudential Tropical Realty, and its in-kind sponsor, Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership, also provides furniture, kitchen appliances, dishes and more.

Recipients are qualified through affordable homeownership nonprofit programs and must meet eligibility requirements.

Normally the homes are given away on holidays, but the Dunn Foundation decided to time Tuesday's event with Super Bowl XLIII week.

"Super Bowl week is an important week," Dunn told the crowd. "But to bring stability to someone's life is more important. This program says a lot about our community."

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679

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