“Human Nature is to Want to Help” A Conversation with Mrs. Gayle Benson

Mrs. Gayle Benson has long used the power of philanthropy to make Southeast Louisiana stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. We sat down with her to discuss her generous gift to support our region’s service and hospitality workers.

You inspired the creation of the Louisiana Service and Hospitality Family Assistance Program. What prompted you to propose this idea to the Foundation?

I think from the very beginning of the pandemic, most of us sensed the immediate worry that this was going to be unlike anything we had ever experienced. When things shut down virtually overnight early in March of 2020, I immediately thought of all of the people in our state that work in the service and hospitality industries. My heart hurt for them and how their universes changed in an instant.

They are hardworking folks with a spirit of helping and serving people, and when everything stopped, I just sensed the hurt and fear many of them would experience. That motivated me to try to help as quickly as possible.

When did you know you wanted to help create this fund?

Immediately. We are blessed to live in a part of the world that is unique and draws people that want to come and experience our way of living, our culture, and our history and see it and experience it for themselves.

It’s not a secret that it’s the people of our city, state, and region that give it the rich character that it’s known for throughout the world. I sensed right away that [the pandemic] was going to change their way of life instantaneously and there needed to be immediate assistance. There are those with young families and those with elderly families and everything in between that needed help—and they needed it immediately.

Why did you choose to partner with the Foundation?

The Foundation has an immensely proud tradition of making positive impacts through philanthropy, strong leadership and most importantly, action. I knew that they would be excellent partners and make sure the gifts made it into the right hands and in an expeditious fashion, which is exactly what occurred.

You encouraged the Foundation to raise additional funds to match your $500,000 lead gift. Is that something that you often do with your philanthropy, to encourage others to join you?

It was more so just letting people know of the program and how they could offer assistance. I know that human nature is to want to help, and that was simply pointing them in the right direction as to how they could be of assistance in the most expeditious manner.

I was heartened to see and hear of their generosity. It was truly a team effort, which speaks to our community and the goodness that exists within it.

The Saints promoted giving to the fund as part of last summer’s rebroadcast of the Saints vs. Falcons 2006 game that reopened the Superdome. People were giving $9 in honor of Drew Brees, $37 in honor of Steve Gleason, $41 in honor of Alvin Kamara. What did you think of that?

That speaks to the unique connections the players of the Saints have forged with the supporters of the team. It goes back to the formation of the franchise, and there are many stories that illustrate that. The fans appreciate what they do for our region and what they mean to the community and they genuinely appreciate them and it’s a unique form of support that provides assistance to those in need. I know the players love to hear the stories and it buoys and inspires them as well. It’s the epitome of a two-way street.

Did you ever imagine that funding for the program would reach over $1.8M? What does that say about our community?

It simply illustrates the kindness and compassion of the residents of this great state and being able to share the blessings bestowed upon us.