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By Allen Wilson
October 26, 2007
Like many single mothers, Deborah Whitner didn’t have it easy. She worked multiple jobs to provide for her two sons and for the three nephews she took in.
There were some tough times, but with the help of her mother, Rosetta Whitner, Deborah managed to make ends meet and build a home for the children.
To show his appreciation for everything his mother and grandmother did for him, Buffalo Bills strong safety Donte Whitner came up with an idea to honor them by hosting a contest for single moms in Western New York to compete for a chance to spend a day at a local spa.
The Single Mother Spa Day will be held Nov. 17, at the Seasons Day Spa in Hamburg. Contestants must submit written entries about why they are most deserving of a day at the spa.
Whitner will choose four winners who will be taken by limousine to the spa, where they will be joined by his mother. They will be treated to a luncheon as well.
Donte said this is just one way for him to say “thank you” to the woman who helped make him the man he is today.
“My mom worked so hard that she never got the opportunity to go to a spa or anything like that,” said Donte, who is holding the same contest in his native Cleveland. “Most of her time, money and focus were on her kids. She worked two, three jobs. There’s a lot of single moms who have dedicated their lives, time and money to their kids, and I just wanted to give them an opportunity to enjoy a day at the spa where they don’t have any worries.
“It gives them a chance to go to a place where they can get pampered instead of them doing all the pampering.”
Looking back, Whitner wonders how his mother was able to take care of five kids on her own. It has given him even more respect for single mothers who went through similar experiences.
Whitner said his mother made a lot of sacrifices for him. Now it’s time to do something good for her.
“There are a lot of kids whose parents take care of them most of their lives and they never get the opportunity to repay them,” he said. “I have that opportunity to give back to my mom and it feels good. I just want her to know that I appreciate everything she did for me and all her hard work wasn’t for nothing.”
