Louisiana and New Orleans Right to Life are proud to honor Super Bowl XXXIX champion, former New Orleans Saint and outspoken advocate for life Benjamin Watson with the 2021 Proudly Pro-Life Award for his pro-life leadership and dedication throughout his 16-year pro-football career.
A first-round draft pick of the New England Patriots out of the University of Georgia, Watson, a tight end, was an offensive force during his career, with 547 receptions (44 touchdowns) for more than 6,000 yards with the Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints. He played in New Orleans from 2013-2015 and again in 2018.
One of Watson’s greatest passions in life is to protect the lives of the most defenseless. As one of the most outspoken pro-life voices in media, he and his wife, Kirsten, personally devote their time and money to assist pregnancy resource centers. Watson has also addressed the March for Life, which takes place every year in Washington, D.C., and joined Louisiana Right to Life officials at the U.S. Supreme Court in March 2020 for oral arguments in the case June Medical Services v. Russo.
He has also done many things to help the New Orleans community specifically, including purchasing an ultrasound machine for the Baptist Community Health Center in the 9th Ward of New Orleans.
This year, Watson will star in Divided Hearts of America, a moving pro-life film that is being produced by himself alongside many notable pro-life advocates such as Dr. Alveda King, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, and Abby Johnson, author of Unplanned.
Watson’s uncanny ability to objectively address controversial topics like abortion in such an eloquent manner has placed him on major TV networks, including ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and the Christian Broadcasting Network, to share his opinions. He has also spoken on current events at schools, churches, and conferences across the country.
Benjamin and Kirsten’s foundation, One More, is dedicated to impacting the lives of those in need by providing enrichment opportunities and promoting education through charitable initiatives and partnerships.
Benjamin and Kirsten are the parents of seven children.
Chair Couple Mike and Dana Hammer
Mike and Dana Hammer are proud to once again serve as the Chair Couple for the Proudly Pro-Life Gala. Mike and Dana have sponsored monthly pro-life luncheons for leaders in the New Orleans pro-life cause for years, and Dana founded the Advertise for Life Initiative at Louisiana Right to Life. Mike is the Principal of Pontchartrain Capital LLC, an investment banking group.
Committee members include Kathleen Benfield, Christopher Chin, Jerry Christopher, Benjamin Clapper, Sandy Cunningham, Anne Dardis, Arthur Dupré, Sheri Derbes, Carlton Guillot, Kathleen Harrison, Colleen Ingraffia, Peg Kenny, Lauren Lagarde, Judy Legett Martin, Karen McGoey, Stacy Pellerin, Judy Quinilty, Sharon Rodi, Alexandra Seghers, Angie Thomas, Theresa Truxillo, Robert Winn, and Micki Wypyszinski.
Hyatt Regency
Downtown New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70113
Lifesaver Patron: $25,000 (Includes 3 tables of 10)
Champion of Life Patron: $15,000 (Includes 2 tables of 10)
Defender of Life Patron: $10,000 (Includes 2 tables of 10)
Lover of Life Patron: $5,000 (Includes 1 table of 10)
Friend of Life Patron: $2,500 (Includes 1 table of 10)
Life Patron: $1,500 (Includes 1 table of 10)
Individual Patron Reservation: $250
Individual Reservation: $150 each
Presenting Sponsorship: $50,000
Patron Party Sponsor: $12,500
Clergy / Pastor Sponsor: $6,000
Bar Sponsor (3 Available): $1,000
