2025 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award
Announcing the 2025 Honorees
We thank everyone who nominated someone for this prestigious award that recognizes changemakers who are creating positive impact in their New Jersey communities. Scroll down to learn more about these inspiring individuals who we will celebrate at our 29th anniversary award ceremony.
Our 2025 Making a Difference Honorees
The Honorees will be recognized at the 28th annual Making a Difference Award Ceremony on Friday, May 10 at Ramapo College.
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 Honoree Who’s Creating New Pathways for Children with Autism
In observance of World Autism Month, we feature Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr of East Orange, a Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Honoree who created Nassan’s Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides accessible, affordable educational and recreational programs and other support services for children and families affected by autism in and around New Jersey’s inner-city communities.
Meet Fraidy Reiss – Changing the Destiny of Young Women in Forced Marriages
Fraidy Reiss, founder of the nonprofit organization Unchained At Last, is working to end forced and child marriage and create laws prohibiting it throughout the entire U.S.
Meet Quadeer Porter: Improving the Lives of Newark’s Young Men
Quadeer Porter established Brothers Building a Better Nation (BBABN) to help Newark-area men at risk for self-harm by eliminating the systemic barriers to mental health services. BBABN clients get access to a therapist of color and resources to alleviate housing, addiction and other social issues, especially for those who were formerly incarcerated.
Recent Press & Media
