Seaford Man Wins 2020 Regional Jefferson Award

DELMARVA – The Jefferson Awards highlight an elite group of community servants who do all they can to help others.

Earlier this year, you might have seen the stories of our 10 local winners on Delmarva; 10 people who use their own money, time, and talent to better the world around them.

Every year, each region around the country picks one overall winner to represent them at the national ceremony in Washington, D.C. This year, the Delmarva judges selected Jeffrey Benson to be Delmarva’s 2020 Regional Jefferson Award winner!

Back in January, WBOC stopped by Seaford High School to surprise Jeffrey Benson with the news of his win. Benson created a group for young men called “The Gentleman’s Club.” Friends and family say the Seaford businessman has a heart of gold that is fully for the people. The Air Force veteran takes time out every Wednesday to teach young men life lessons. He’s recruited friends and colleagues in his Sussex County community for his mentoring group. Benson also launched a youth shareholder initiative with WSFS bank – giving each young student five shares of stock and planting the seeds to grow generational wealth.

WBOC normally invites all of the 10 local winners to the NewsPlex in Salisbury each year for a dinner where each winner receives the actual Jefferson Award. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, WBOC could not hold the event this year. Each of the 10 winners will receive his or her award in the mail.

Congratulations, Mr. Benson!