New Orleans Saints owner pays nearly $100K in Walmart Christmas gift bills

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson surprised Walmart customers by paying off nearly $100,000 in remaining balance on Christmas gifts.

Benson cleared the balance of 408 customers’ layaway orders, according to The New Orleans Advocate.

Benson took over the New Orleans sports franchises last year when her husband, Tom Benson, died.

{mosads}Walmart store representative Zena Williams said very few customers had realized that Benson had paid their bills.

“They’re coming in, and they’re calling their friends and family,” Williams told the Advocate. “They’re very excited. It’s a good thing. It’s a good thing for the community. It’s a good thing for the store. I’m glad that we can participate and help bless so many people for the holidays.”

A Saints team spokesman confirmed to the New Orleans Times-Picayune that Benson had paid for the gifts on her own.