2025 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

Congratulations to 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. Watch the video presentation featuring the 10 inspiring Honorees who were celebrated at our 29th anniversary award ceremony at Ramapo College.

Our 2025 Making a Difference Honorees

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. 

Established in
1997by Russell Berrie
A total of
440 NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$4.3M in cash awards since 1997
Established in
1997
by Russell Berrie
A total of
440
NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$4.3M
in cash awards since 1997
About the

Making a Difference

Award
There’s no greater importance in life than knowing you’ve helped a fellow human being.”
Russ Berrie, 1933-2002

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

Use the directory and map to learn more about the past Honorees of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award and the impact they are making throughout New Jersey. All are shining examples of individuals who saw a need, an injustice, an inequity, or a problem to solve . . . and took action.

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.

Environmental Conservation Jose German-Gomez

Environmental Conservation, Sustainability and Justice Bloom in North Jersey Community Gardens, Thanks to Jose German-Gomez

Many New Jersey residents of urban low-income communities lack easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables and the green spaces these gardens provide. Jose German-Gomez launched the Northeast Earth Coalition (NEEC) to protect the environment and promote local sustainability and food security at the community level. NEEC’s programs fulfill its mission with community outreach, urban growers, a community food network, and environmental initiatives.

Read More
In the News

Recent Press & Media

June 2025
Trafficking survivor’s nonprofit supports marginalized groups
June 2025
Joseph and Julia Quinlan and their late daughter, Karen Ann, the central figure in a right-to-die case that led to a landmark ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court,
May 2025
Desi Shelton – A nonprofit theater in South Jersey called Camden Rep Theater Company aims to tell the stories of women and girls, to help them heal and transforms their lives.