Multiplying Good is thrilled to announce the honorees for the 51st Annual Jefferson Awards, the nation’s largest and longest-running awards ceremony honoring public service. On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 7:30 PM ET at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City, will present Leeza Gibbons, Shane Battier, Paul Dreschnack, MD, and others with awards honoring their exceptional commitment to serving others and transforming their communities. Their acts of kindness and their extraordinary dedication will be spotlighted in a spectacular evening celebrating the power of giving back.

"We are delighted to celebrate 51 years of honoring those who have selflessly given their time and passion to uplift our nation," said Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, CEO of Multiplying Good. "The Jefferson Awards is not just a celebration of the past but also an inspiration for the future. It reminds us all of the incredible impact we can make when we come together to serve others. Or as we like to call it a Mega Force for Good."

The Jefferson Awards will bring together supporters, past award recipients, and service champions. Honorees include:

Leeza Gibbons, a renowned television personality and philanthropist who has dedicated herself to numerous charitable causes, will receive the Lifetime Achievement in Public Service award. She founded the "Leeza's Care Connection" organization, which supports caregivers and individuals facing Alzheimer's disease and other chronic illnesses. Leeza's dedication to raising awareness and providing resources for caregivers has had a profound impact on countless families. Additionally, she has been involved in various initiatives related to health, education, and humanitarian efforts. Her philanthropic work extends to organizations like the American Red Cross and the National Hospice Foundation. Gibbons' unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need makes her an inspiring and influential philanthropist.

Shane Battier, a former American professional basketball player, will receive the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service in Professional Sports. His passion for helping others extends to youth sports, health, and wellness initiatives. Through the "Take Charge Foundation," co-founded with his wife, Heidi Ufer Battier, Shane has empowered underprivileged youth by offering scholarships, mentorship programs, and educational resources. This organization has enabled countless individuals to access higher education and achieve their dreams. Battier’s commitment to community service sets an inspiring example for athletes and philanthropists alike. Beyond his basketball career, his legacy is defined by his dedication to making a positive and lasting impact on society through meaningful philanthropic endeavors.

The Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged Award will be presented to Paul Dreschnack, MD. He is a prominent figure in the medical field, renowned not only for his medical expertise but also for his commitment to philanthropy. Dr. Dreschnack has worked in the poorest regions of India, giving new hope and life to children who had none. He is part of a dozen Plastic Surgeons in the New York area who make 3 to 4 trips to India a year, operating on about 300,000 children with birth defects free of charge. These children suffer not only from the deformities themselves, but also from social exclusion, unemployment, and limited marriage possibilities that come as a result of the deformities that can often lead to death. There are estimates that as many as 10 million lives have been positively impacted by the free surgery offered to these children. Dr. Dreschnack’s dedication to philanthropy has played a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare access and quality, ultimately benefiting patients and medical professionals alike.

Multiplying Good will also acknowledge and celebrate the unsung heroes among us – those who have dedicated their time, energy, and resources to making a difference in the lives of others in their communities.  
The Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by an Employee will be presented to an employee representing one of the companies participating in its Recognition Champion program. Additionally, dozens of local media outlets participating in the Multiplying Good Media Partner program have chosen grassroots unsung heroes to represent their communities during the awards. Five of them will receive the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting Local Communities. Our top youth service team from the Students in Action service leadership program will receive the Gold Jefferson Award.

Tickets for the in-person event and a sign-up form for access to the recording of the ceremony are available here. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those businesses and organizations interested in demonstrating their commitment to community service and volunteerism.