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Ochsner Health announces plans for The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital, made possible through a transformational gift from Mrs. Gayle Benson.

"I am truly humbled to announce today The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital,” said&nbsp;Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints Owner and Pelicans Governor. “Throughout the years, my husband Tom and I have been privileged to support Ochsner's exceptional team of physicians and caregivers in their tireless mission to assist patients and families facing health challenges in our region. Together, we embark on a collective journey to forge a brighter, healthier future for the children of our city, state, and region. Ochsner has become a national healthcare leader and destination for patients seeking medical care in virtually every discipline. We should all be proud of the world-class facilities and world-class doctors at Ochsner.”

The donation made for the new home for Ochsner Children’s Hospital will come from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, a private foundation founded in 2007 with the purpose to make the community stronger by giving back and making a positive impact.

“We are proud to unveil much-anticipated plans for a new home for Louisiana’s No. 1 ranked children’s hospital,” said&nbsp;Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health. “Ochsner is deeply grateful for Mrs. Benson and her unparalleled act of generosity, which will significantly impact the lives of countless families throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. This facility will enable us to care for more children, retain and attract top pediatric physicians and care teams, and continue to set the standard of care."

Ochsner Children’s Hospital is the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana. For the seventh year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country’s Top 50 Children’s Hospitals. This year, it ranked in cardiology and heart surgery as well as orthopedics, making Ochsner Children’s the only children's hospital in Louisiana to rank in two specialties in the 2023-2024&nbsp;Best Children’s Hospital&nbsp;rankings.

Current and projected needs of children and families throughout the region have driven the plan for the new facility. It follows Ochsner’s years-long and unwavering commitment to enrich its pediatrics program with numerous specialties and subspecialties to treat the most complex and critical conditions, such as pediatric heart and liver transplants.

The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital is designed to have a child-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with colorful and engaging decor, age-appropriate accommodations, and an efficient, easy-to-navigate layout.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FACILITY PLANS >>

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Gayle Benson makes historic donation for new home for Ochsner Children's Hospital

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Photos: Gayle Benson, Pelicans attend Ochsner Moonlight & Miracles Gala

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Gayle Benson serves as keynote speaker at Women Leaders in Sports National Conference

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Photos: Gayle Benson attends Tom Benson School dedication ceremony

New Orleans Pelicans governor Gayle Benson and head coach Willie Green talk the the team in the locker room after their big win against the Brooklyn Nets in the first game of the 2022-23 NBA season.

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Gayle Benson and Willie Green in the Pelicans locker room postgame after win vs. Brooklyn Nets

New Orleans Pelicans governor Gayle Benson was recognized for her philanthropic efforts by receiving the annual Times-Picayune Loving Cup Award on Tuesday, May 10. The Loving Cup is awarded annually to a New Orleanian who has made significant contributions to the city.

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Recap: Pelicans governor Gayle Benson receives Loving Cup Award

John DeShazier

Gayle Benson said that she shed tears upon receiving the news.

But, likely, it wasn't much of a surprise to the people who best know Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints and governor of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Loving Cup, presented by The Times-Picayune since 1901, annually has been awarded to New Orleanians whose philanthropic efforts and community involvement soar above and beyond, a bar easily cleared by Benson, the 2021 honoree.

"When I reflect back on the history of the men and women who have been recipients of the Loving Cup, I am truly humbled to be included in their company," Benson said Tuesday evening, during the presentation that was held inside the Saints' indoor practice facility at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. "Each accomplished so much and dedicated themselves to the people of New Orleans. The Loving Cup is truly a fitting name for this special recognition, as those who have been honored with it over the years have all shared an impassioned love of our community and fierce loyalty to the people and institutions that make New Orleans the unique, special place it is for all of us."

She lamented that her late husband, Tom Benson, wasn't present to have received the award himself.

"One of the greatest gifts Tom and I shared in our marriage is love – our love for each other, our love for the city, its schools, its churches, its playgrounds, its hospitals," she said. "But more than anything, our love for its people. We truly have been blessed in our lives and it is because New Orleans has chosen to support us.

"It is my obligation to honor that support by investing in what is most important to our city's future success – schools that will educate a world-class work force, health-care institutions that care for and cure our sick, local and regional businesses that will keep our children at home, and supporting the spiritual and cultural institutions that make New Orleans special.

"Obviously, I'm not alone in this mission. I know and I realize we all get frustrated with the challenges that we face today, and there are many. There are clearly critical issues that threaten our future that we as a community must solve. While those challenges are significant, I truly believe we are capable of meeting all of them with the same resilience, spirit, and flat-out stubbornness that has defined New Orleans since its birth."

The Loving Cup honoree is chosen by a five-person committee, which receives letters of recommendation from the community. Committee members serve once, ensuring that a different committee makes the selection each year.

"The Loving Cup recipient also is someone who goes without seeking recognition," said John Georges, owner of The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com. "After all, Gayle Benson is already one of the best-known names in the city, and as the owner of the Saints and Pelicans, already has recognition.

"Gayle Benson's giving began with the Catholic Church, long before owning the Saints and the Pelicans. Her giving never ended with the Catholic Church. We learned from all these letters about (donations to) Ochsner, NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art), Audubon Institute, Tulane (University), Loyola (University), Jesuit, St. Aug, Brother Martin (high schools), and the list goes on and on."

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Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson on the team's hard work & success

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Gayle Benson honored as 2021 recipient of Loving Cup

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Photos: Gayle Benson receives 2021 Loving Cup Award

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