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
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.
Meet Larry Abrams: Combating the Literacy Summer Slide With Children’s Books
Larry Abrams founded BookSmiles to combat the “book deserts” in underserved communities. The nonprofit collects and distributes used children’s books to promote childhood literacy and works to prevent the literacy summer slide students experience.
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.
Honoring Remarkable Foster and Adoptive Parents—Changing the Course of Children’s Lives to Create Brighter Futures
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month; it is a month to honor, celebrate, and raise awareness of all the issues related to foster care. The Russ Berrie Foundation shines a spotlight on these selfless and caring honorees making a difference in the lives of foster children.
Recent Press & Media
