Russ Berrie
Making a Difference Award
Since 1997, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has honored 430 New Jersey residents who’ve made our state a better place. From teens to senior citizens, these remarkable people have made significant impacts through their resilience, dedication, and passion for positive change.
We’re excited about our 2025 nomination campaign which will open in January. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized?
Making a Difference
Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie, and managed and hosted by Ramapo College of New Jersey, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honors Garden State residents whose outstanding community service and heroic acts have made a substantial impact on the lives of others.
Learn more about this unique award and the impact it’s had for nearly 30 years.
The 2024 Making a Difference Honorees
Past Honorees
From the Blog
The work of our past honorees, who have tackled important issues, continues to make profound differences for NJ residents. Learn more about these remarkable individuals through their stories.
Meet Riccardo Dale: Helping Put Youth at Risk on the Path to Success
Riccardo Dale, a 2024 Russ Berrie honoree, founded Free All Minds Academy (F.A.M.) to support at-risk youth from 8th grade to adulthood, providing weekly mentoring and guidance.
Meet Gary Oppenheimer: Connecting Gardeners to Food Pantries to Fight Hunger
Our third subject for Hunger Action Month is Gary Oppenheimer, a 2011 MADA honoree and founder of AmpleHarvest.org, a nonprofit that connects gardeners with food pantries for surplus donations.
Claudia Wheeler – Fighting Food Waste Through the SALT Foundation
Claudia Wheeler founded the SALT Foundation in 2017 to fight food waste by rescuing surplus food for those in need. Her efforts focus on food security, community health, and outreach.
Recent Press & Media
