DEFENDERS, a nationwide provider of residential security services, announced a $1 million donation to Athletes in Action (AIA) in support of the Wooden Family Fieldhouse in Xenia, Ohio. 

Through this donation, DEFENDERS is honoring Dave Browne, executive vice chairman of DEFENDERS’ board of directors. Browne is also a founding member of the board of trustees for AIA. He has been a leader and integral part of AIA’s success for more than 25 years, the company reported in a press release. 

DEFENDERS first partnered with AIA as a sponsor of the 2012 Super Bowl Breakfast where DEFENDERS’ Founder David P. Lindsey was introduced to Dave Browne. For the past five years, DEFENDERS and AIA’s relationship has continued to evolve through the annual sponsorship of the Super Bowl Breakfast. They have also worked to promote and grow the Super Service Challenge, a movement that has raised more than $10 million for local charities across the U.S. 

Mark Householder, president of AIA, said, “Dave [Lindsey] has shown us tough love and how to deliver on our commitments. It is with deep gratitude to David and Jessica Lindsey and the entire DEFENDERS team, that I accept this donation in honor of Dave Browne.” 

Householder said AIA is in the home stretch of their fundraising efforts for the Wooden Family Fieldhouse. The goal is to have complete funding by April 1, 2017. According to the Fieldhouse website, “Character will be on display 24/7, creating a unique opportunity to move people toward the gospel and involvement in the mission.” 

The $1 million donation will support the addition of the Wooden Family Fieldhouse, a 100,000-sq.-ft. indoor facility featuring four basketball courts, an indoor turf training field, an adventure/challenge course, a sports performance and fitness area, administrative offices, and a John Wooden tribute.