Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

2024 Nominations Open January 1st

Since 1997, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has honored more than 400 New Jersey residents for their outstanding and heroic service to others. Winners of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award range from teens to senior citizens, and they come from every part of the state and from all walks of life. Each has made a significant impact through their remarkable accomplishments, demonstrating the power of resilience, dedication, and passion for positive change.

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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
408 NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$3.9M 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

Our 2023 Making a Difference Honorees

11 inspiring Honorees were celebrated at our 27th anniversary award ceremony on Friday, May 5 at Ramapo College. Their profiles below tell their incredible stories and how their outstanding community service and heroic acts have made a substantial impact on the lives of others in their communities and all around New Jersey. 

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.

27th Anniversary Russ Berrie Making a Difference Honoree Presentation

Meet the 2023 Honorees who were recognized at the 27th Anniversary Award Ceremony and hear their inspiring stories.
There’s no greater importance in life than knowing you’ve helped a fellow human being.”
Russ Berrie, 1933-2002
Russell Berrie

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