Raiders legend Fred Biletnikoff and his wife Angela hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for Tracey's Place of Hope in Loomis, Calif. Thursday.

Mrs. Biletnikoff called the event, "Moving the change for the successful rebuilding of the project made possible by foundation, football and friends."

Raiders team president Marc Badain addressed the assembled group of media, Raiders alumni and supporters of Tracey's Place of Hope prior to the groundbreaking.

"I grew up idolizing this guy [Biletnikoff], and how often do you get a chance to not only meet your hero, but grow a relationship with him, and then watch your hero exceed your expectations?" said Badain during his remarks to the group. "To watch what you guys have done to turn personal tragedy into something so inspiring, it's beyond heroic. It's an honor to have been involved since the beginning. The Raiders are just humbled to be a part of it. We say, once a Raider, always a Raider because we're a very strong family, and we're a strong family because of people like you. Congratulations. We're really proud of you."

The groundbreaking for the home in Loomis was a long time coming for the Biletnikoffs.

In April 2015, Oakland Raiders Owner Mark Davis announced an organizational effort to help prevent domestic violence and sexual assault by partnering with the Biletnikoff Foundation and Tracey's Place of Hope.

At the annual golf tournament to benefit the Biletnikoff Foundation, Davis presented a $50,000 donation to Fred and Angela in the effort to help increase education to eradicate domestic violence.

In addition to the monetary donation, the Raiders will execute an extensive platform, including ongoing programs and public service campaigns to assist in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault.