Football Owner Backs Catholic School Campus
Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and governor of the New Orleans Pelicans, is contributing to the construction of a second campus for the Good Shepherd School, a Catholic institution catering to elementary and middle school-aged children in need.
The donation, although undisclosed in amount, is expected to provide vital funding for the establishment of a new campus on Desire Street, named The Gayle and Tom Benson Good Shepherd School – Giving Hope Campus.
Benson emphasized the importance of education as a gateway to limitless possibilities, expressing her desire to not only offer an education but to lay the groundwork for a future brimming with promise and potential for the children of New Orleans. She underlined the transformative impact of faith-based education in empowering young individuals for generations.
The President and CEO of the Good Shepherd School, Thomas Moran, conveyed gratitude for Benson’s generous donation, hailing her as an exemplary figure. Moran credited her faith-filled generosity as instrumental in the school’s expansion into the Desire-Florida community.
The school’s mission, outlined on its website, is to empower low-income, urban youth by providing quality education integrated with moral, spiritual development, and continued guidance. Established in 2001, the school charges families only $125 per student, significantly less than the $14,000 cost to educate one child annually. Benefactors play a crucial role in bridging this funding gap, allowing families with an annual household income below $75,000 to qualify for admission.
Statistics from the Good Shepherd School reveal impressive outcomes, with 100% of graduates moving on to high school and graduating on time, while 85% enroll in college. The school’s enrollment stands at 264 students, with 219 having graduated over the years.
Gayle Benson’s contribution to the Good Shepherd School aligns with her broader philanthropic efforts during her Giving Month, where she supported various charitable organizations and initiatives. Notably, she unveiled plans for the construction of the Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital, emphasizing its role in enhancing pediatric care standards.
Other organizations recognized during Giving Month include the Eden House, dedicated to combating human trafficking, United Way, and Covenant House New Orleans.
Benson’s commitment to philanthropy is rooted in her Catholic faith, as she emphasized in a statement from 2020. Alongside her late husband Tom Benson, she has been a devout Catholic, actively supporting the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese financially and spiritually for decades. Their faith serves as the cornerstone of their daily lives, guiding their commitment to unifying, helping, and giving back to the community.
Tom Benson, a successful businessman and owner of several automobile dealerships, passed away in 2018 at the age of 90. Married to Gayle Benson in 2004, their shared commitment to faith and philanthropy continues to shape the legacy he left behind.
EVERYTHING THAT S WRONG WITH OUR COUNTRY IS WE HAVE NO RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS IN OUR SCHOOLS. WE HAVE TO PLEASE ATHEISTS. WHEN WE SHOULD BE PLEASING GOD.
I pray every night for a more peace in the world and more justice .