About Us

ENERGIZING WORKPLACES

"Our customers expect us to be involved and to be a leader in our communities, and it's the right thing to do."
- Ophelia Basgal, Vice President, Civic Partnerships and Community Initiatives, PG&E


Sam Beard, Co-Founder & President, Ophelia Basgal, and 2007 Jefferson Awards recipient Fred Flint

"The attraction to the Jefferson Awards was we think it is the only real program out there... that will inspire and motivate greater volunteerism, and that is ultimately what it is about, creating more volunteerism here in America." - Jack Russi, Vice Chairman and Regional Managing Partner, Deloitte & Touche USA

Jack Russi at the 2007 National Ceremonies

PG&E volunteers clearing a space for a teaching garden at George Washington Carver Middle School in San Francisco's Bay View Hunters Point neighborhood.

The Jefferson Awards Champions were established in 2006 to encourage and assist organizations as they set up and administer employee volunteer programs. A goal of the Jefferson Awards has always been to promote civic engagement at the local level. The Champions program recognizes that corporations, academic institutions, and governmental organizations are in a unique position to make a difference in local communities by encouraging employees and their retirees to become involved. Each Champion honors their outstanding employee volunteers monthly and recognizes them with a Jefferson Award. One outstanding volunteer is selected to represent each organization at the Jefferson Awards National Ceremonies. Corporations have reported that by encouraging employees to be involved in the community, they create a more positive work environment. This helps in both recruiting and retaining employees. The same is true at colleges, universities and local governments. The Jefferson Awards believe that everyone benefits from a renewed level of civic engagement. The Champions are dedicated to optimizing the potential among people employed in a community.

For further information, please contact us:

The Jefferson Awards for Public Service
100 West 10th Street, Suite 215
Wilmington, DE 19801-1665
Tel: (302) 622-9101
Fax: (302) 622-9108
Email: