Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award
A Legacy of Compassion, Courage, and Lasting Change in New Jersey
Steve Adubato, PhD, Emmy® Award-winning broadcaster and our longtime media partner, has helped tell the stories of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees, amplifying the voices and impact of the remarkable New Jersey changemakers recognized over the past 30 years.
This special retrospective program celebrates the spirit of the Award and honors Russ Berrie’s enduring belief in the power of individuals to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Our 2026 Making a Difference Honorees
Gen Z Making a Difference Award
We pass the torch to the next generation of changemakers who are already making a tremendous impact across New Jersey. These young leaders are committed to challenging inequities and solving problems with compassion, courage, and innovation.
Grow the Ripple of Positive Change Award
Transformational Leadership Award
Community Changemaker Award
Exceptional Volunteer Award
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.
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.
The Gen Z Making a Difference Awards
Recognizing the Next Generation of NJ Leaders May 8, 2026 was very special to all of us at the 30th annual Russ Berrie Making a
Shining the Light on New Jersey’s Gen Z Changemakers—Honorees Who Made a Difference at a Young Age
As the Making a Difference Award shifts to recognize Gen Z leaders in 2026, we look back at some Honorees whose work to improve communities and the lives of NJ residents began in their teens or college years.
Saranne Rothberg: Meeting Cancer Head-On with Humor
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect time to shine our light on Saranne Rothberg, a 2003 Making a Difference Award Honoree. A stage IV triple negative breast cancer survivor, Saranne founded ComedyCures in 1999 after her cancer diagnosis.
Recent Press & Media
