2024

Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

Honorees to be announced in April

We thank everyone who nominated someone for this prestigious award that recognizes changemakers who are creating positive impact in their New Jersey communities. We know that each special person who was nominated is making a difference for others every day.

The 2024 Honorees will be announced in April. Please check back then or sign up below to receive email updates.

Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards Hero NJ
Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards Hero Collage NJ
Established in
1997by Russell Berrie
A total of
419 NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$4.1M in cash awards since 1997
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Established in
1997
by Russell Berrie
A total of
419
NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$4.1M
in cash awards since 1997
About the

Making a Difference

Award
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.

Past Honorees

Learn more about past Honorees of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award and the impact they are having in communities around New Jersey. All of them are shining examples of individuals who saw a need, an injustice, an inequity, or a problem to solve . . . and took action.
There’s no greater importance in life than knowing you’ve helped a fellow human being.”
Russ Berrie, 1933-2002
Russell Berrie

From the Blog

In the News

Recent Press & Media

March 2024
Unchained at Last founder Fraidy Reiss – child marriage exists in the US and the minimum age to marry varies from state to state
February 2024
Emily Dempsey, a founding member of the Center for Community Arts
February 2024
Al-Tariq Best, the founder and leader of the HUBB ATC, Empowering Newark’s Youth: The HUBB Arts and Trauma Center’s Mission to Entertain, Educate, and Empower

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