Meet our Speaker
Every year, we are excited to introduce our keynote speaker for the annual Gala for Life event (formerly Benefit Dinner). You’ve probably heard that this year’s Gala will be virtual (you can learn all about it here!) – which means we’re bringing the Gala to you.
Things might be a bit different in 2020, but we are no less excited to introduce you to our keynote speaker, Benjamin Watson. You’re probably most familiar with Benjamin’s presence on the football field for 16 seasons. But off the field, one of Watson’s greatest passions in life is to defend the most defenseless.
An Advocate for Life
Watson has consistently used his platform to be a leading advocate speaking out against injustice. Most recently, Watson and his wife Kirsten served as executive producers of the newly released film, Divided Hearts of America. The powerful film seeks to bring truth to a subject that has been debated for decades, and features interviews with 30 experts in their respective fields – from both sides of the ideological spectrum.
Also featured are interviews with women who have abortions in their pasts, as well as survivors of abortion. Watson sheds light on the prevalence of pregnancy resource centers throughout the United States, and how these centers are on the front lines of caring for women who experience unplanned pregnancies.
Faith in Practice
Benjamin’s faith extends well beyond the big screen. Watson and his wife Kirsten personally devote their time and money to assist pregnancy resource centers. In 2018, they gifted a Maryland pregnancy resource center with a 3D/4D ultrasound. Watson shared, “Years ago, after a 3D/4D ultrasound for our first child, we envisioned the day when we would be able to give other families this gift. Seeing life inside the womb not only affirms its beauty and dignity but encourages the mother and father that their child is worth fighting for.”
As a way to bring awareness to and financially support local non-profit organizations the Watsons started the social media initiative #FreedomFridays. In 2008, they established the One More Foundation, “devoted to spreading the love and hope of Christ to One More soul by meeting real needs, promoting education and providing enrichment opportunities through charitable initiatives and partnerships.”
Watson has consistently used his platform to share his faith and to speak out against injustice. In 2017, he gave this moving speech at the March for Life:
Benjamin and Kirsten have 7 beautiful children. If you look to their social media platforms, you can see they are consistently pointing others to Jesus, and bringing empathy to even the most difficult conversations.
Join the Movement
Benjamin Watson is a leader in his home, his community, and in our culture. We’re honored to have him join us this October as Keynote Speaker for the 2020 Virtual Gala for Life. If you’d like to hear Benjamin Watson’s exclusive message, you can register for free today at thepregnancynetwork.org/gala.
Join the movement. Fuel the mission. Change your city. Together, we can continue empowering women to face their unplanned pregnancies without fear.
Kacey Minor
Kacey is the Communications Assistant at The Pregnancy Network.