Larry Fitzgerald poses with a friend during his "Merry Fitzgerald Christmas" Tuesday night. 

With Christmas upcoming, a pair of Cardinals made sure the holiday season would be even better for those in need.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald hosted his first "Merry Fitzgerald Christmas" Tuesday night, for 200 underprivileged children from the Phoenix-area, while quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda presented their annual "Homes for the Holidays" surprise to a local single mother Tuesday. Fitzgerald's event included dinner, photos with Fitzgerald, wrapped presents and

entertainment – including a magic show.

"Because these kids endure so much every day," Fitzgerald said, "I want to give them the opportunity to truly believe in the magic of Christmas."

It wasn't Fitzgerald's only charity event of the week. As an ambassador of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, Fitzgerald hosted 75 pairs of "littles" and "bigs" Monday night at the Eddie's House restaurant. During dinner, Fitzgerald talked to each of the pairs and took pictures while the kids received Nike duffel bags filled with sports equipment along with tickets for Sunday's game against Seattle. The night was co-sponsored by Ashley Furniture and chef Eddie Matney.

The Warners, meanwhile, completed their gift, through their "First Things First" foundation, for Chandler resident Stacey Kovach and her two sons. Kovach took homeowners classes and then saved up to purchase her home. The Warners, along with Sunridge Builders and Aaron's Rents, then furnished and renovated the property in a gift worth more than $20,000.

It is the 18th family rewarded by First Things First since the program began in 2002 and the fifth in the Phoenix area.

---

Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 12/24/08.