Coach gives back on and off the court

Benjamin Davey of Newton was named one of the five finalists for the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year Award.

The award honors a coach who embodies values that make a positive impact on young basketball players on the court and in the community.

While the award, with $20,000, went to Helen Settles, head coach of the Staten Island Special Olympics Basketball Team, the five finalists each received $2,000.

Davey coaches third- and fourth-grade boys and girls basketball teams in the Hampton Township recreation league. He has worked in child protection, which led him to start a nonprofit organization called Benny’s Bodega.

“Honestly, it felt real cool,” he said, referring to the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year competition. “It was a bit of a surprise. It was something Heather (his wife) had surprised me with. She submitted the application, so being named a finalist was a bit of a surprise early on, then when the surprise kind of wore away, it was really cool and really exciting.”

He does not have specific plans for the $2,000 award but said he and his wife are in the beginning stages of working with the Jr. Knicks to set up something soon. That could be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with children and adults meant to bring the community together.

Benny’s Bodega

The couple work together on Benny’s Bodega, which helps working families in need shop for basic necessities at no cost in a Newton storefront.

The project started in Davey’s cubicle at his child-protection job about three years ago and evolved into something bigger thanks to support from the community.

Benny’s Bodega recently received a Quality in Living Award at the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce annual awards luncheon. And the Chinkchewunska Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution presented Benny’s Bodega with its Community Service Award in February.

Davey said his work off the court has helped his coaching because he is a counselor with a master’s degree in social work.

“We try to make it as team-oriented as we can. Of course, no one’s worried about the outcome but we do like to play hard and play together,” he said.

The Daveys have plans to host events during the next couple months for the community, including a murder mystery show May 13.

“In terms of Benny’s Bodega, if there’s anything I’d like anybody to know is that there is a resource out there for working people who are still struggling to make ends meet. If you are struggling to get your basic needs met, stop by the bodega and we’d love to help you out,” he said.

To donate or volunteer at Benny’s Bodega, go online to https://www.bennysbodega.com/ or stop by the store at 166 Spring St. Newton.