NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Titans hosted their first ever Taste of the Titans fundraiser benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville Wednesday, June 15th at Nissan Stadium.  The unique event raised more than $80,000 and the funds will go entirely toward building a new habitat home for a deserving family this fall.

As guests arrived they were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Titans home locker room and were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by - DT Jurrell Casey, OT Jack Conklin, RB Derrick Henry, T Taylor Lewan, QB Marcus Mariota, CB Jason McCourty, RB DeMarco Murray, OLB Brian Orakpo, TE Delanie Walker and LB Avery Williamson.

"A family is going to have the opportunity to own a home because of tonight," said Danny Herron, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, president & CEO.  "It's wonderful to have Titans ownership, players and everyone here tonight to say we matter and want to do something great in the community."

"We are so grateful to the Tennessee Titans and Nissan North America for the opportunity to partner on The Taste of the Titans.  All of the event proceeds, whether from table sponsors or the silent auction, will help another hardworking, deserving Habitat homeowner achieve the dream of homeownership. It truly is a team effort!" said Lauren Lane, senior vice president of philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville has helped more than 770 low-income families and individuals purchase homes with a zero percent interest mortgage. This is made possible through home sponsorships, grants, volunteer labor, and revenue from its retail operation, the ReStore. The money raised from the Taste of the Titans event will go to purchase building materials for a future Habitat family.

"Voice of the Titans" Mike Keith emceed the evening and hosted a Q&A session with Titans General Manager Jon Robinson and Head Coach Mike Mularkey who answered guests' questions about the upcoming season and the team's new on-field synergy.

"We have been part of building homes for needy families for many years", said Kenneth Adams IV, member of the Titans Boards of Directors.  "It's a perfect synergy working with our partners and helping needy families here in middle Tennessee."

Habitat homes are built in eight days, or four weekends, by 25 daily volunteers, who do everything from raising wall trusses to installing insulation. A full home sponsorship is $60,000. Future Habitat homeowners must qualify for the Habitat program, attend 200 hours of classroom education and work on the build site. Habitat homes are quality ENERGY STAR certified homes, saving homeowners thousands of dollars in utility bills over the life of the mortgage.

"What an incredible time to be part of the Titans organization and the city of Nashville's growth,"* *said Jeremy Tucker, vice president, marketing communication & media at Nissan.  "Habitat is one of our premier partners. We have a deep and long-standing relationship with Habitat for Humanity.  We built a house for a family here in the Nashville area but we do it all over the United States as part of our commitment with Nissan and also as part of our partnership with the Heisman Trophy Trust. The Titans' team members have been incredible partners!"

"This has been an incredible partnership made in heaven!" said Fred Diaz, division vice president and general manager at Nissan. "Helping people, giving back to the community, to be able to give back to those in need is what this is all about and why we are here."

The evening was complete with fun activities including autographs and photos with Titans' players and cheerleaders, viewing and photos with the Heisman Trophy, entertaining greenscreen photos, a silent auction teeming with all types of unique goodies ranging from guitars autographed by county music artists to autographed Titans items and delicious hors d'oeuvres followed by an endless buffet.

Dignity, the ability to build equity wealth through homeownership, and the stability homeownership provides are cornerstones of the mission of Habitat. Studies show that every area of life is improved for individuals and families who own their own homes. Children raised in homes are more likely to graduate from school, attend college and become contributing members of society, supporting vital community infrastructures that benefit us all.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Prior to becoming homeowners, Habitat future homeowners attend home education classes, work at the build site and volunteer at Habitat's retail outlet, the ReStore. Since 1985, Habitat of Greater Nashville has built or recycled nearly more than 770 homes. To receive more information or how you can get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, call 615-254-HOME (4663) or visit www.habitatnashville.org.