Gayle Benson
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Gayle Benson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gayle Marie LaJaunie January 26, 1947 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Nationality (legal) | American |
| Occupation(s) | Businesswoman and sports franchise owner |
| Years active | 2018–present (as New Orleans Saints owner) 2018–present (as New Orleans Pelicans owner) |
| Known for | Principal Owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 (2 deceased)[1] |
Gayle Marie LaJaunie Benson (January 26, 1947) is an American businesswoman, philanthropist and sports franchise owner. She is the owner of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) and New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[2]
Professional sports
Benson became the owner of both the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans following the death of her husband, Tom Benson.
Philanthropy
Benson and her family long have been ardent supporters of University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.The Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium officially opened on campus September 1, 2008, when the Bensons joined with more than 2,000 Cardinals fans and athletes to declare the facility ready for action.The stadium is wide enough and long enough that the Cardinals soccer teams, men's and women's, have begun playing their games here.
In January 2012, Benson and her husband were awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for their generosity to Catholic Church, the highest papal honor that Catholic laypeople can receive.[3]
In November 2012 Gayle Benson and her husband, Tom, donated $7.5 million towards the construction of Tulane University's Yulman Stadium. The stadium, which opened in 2014, brought the Green Wave back to campus for the first time since the demolition of Tulane Stadium in 1980. The playing surface is known as Benson Field.[4]
In 2015 the Benson family gave $20 million for cancer care and research.[5]
Awards and honors
- Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium in San Antonio, Texas (University of the Incarnate Word) named in her (and her husband's) honor
References
- ^ a b "Tom Benson & family". Forbes. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Gayle Benson becomes Saints, Pelicans owner". ProFootballTalk - NBC Sports. March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
- ^ The Times-Picayune: "Tom and Gayle Benson receive highest papal honor for their generosity to Catholic Church" by John Pope January 19, 2012
- ^ Tulane's field to be named for Benson – San Antonio Express-News. Mysanantonio.com (2012-11-02). Retrieved on 2013-07-29.
- ^ Center, Foundation. "Gayle and Tom Benson Give $20 Million for Cancer Care, Research". philanthropynewsdigest.org. Retrieved 10 April 2018.