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Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Press Media Press
For media inquiries about the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award or to reach honorees for interviews, please contact:

Meredith Lee

Program Director

Quick Facts

The Making a Difference Award was established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie, a New Jersey-based entrepreneur and CEO of Russ Berrie & Company.
Established in 199701
The Award honors individuals who make New Jersey a better place — through service to others, to their communities, or by an act of extraordinary heroism.
Making NJ Better02
The Award program is supported by the Russell Berrie Foundation and managed by Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Support03
A total of 440 individuals have been recognized since 1997.
440 Honorees04
More than $4.3 million has been awarded to New Jersey residents since 1997.
Over $4.3 Million05
Honorees are located in every county in New Jersey.
Statewide06
Honorees range in age from nine years old to ninety years old.
From 9- 90 Years Old07
In the News

Recent Media Coverage

May 2025

Making a difference starts with you – OpEd -Scott Berrie

NJ.com
My late father, Russell Berrie, together with The Russell Berrie Foundation Trustees, launched the Making a Difference Award nearly 30 years ago to honor changemakers from across the Garden State for their visionary leadership, dedication, and service to others.
May 2025

Nonprofit Camden theater offers preforming arts experiences

PHL 17
Theater founder Desi Shelton stopped by PHL17 to talk about the company’s upcoming performance.
May 2025

Kristy Whilden, Deaf #1 International Bestselling Author, Releases “Alice’s Colorful New World”

barchart
Kristy Whilden, Deaf #1 International Bestselling Author, Releases “Alice’s Colorful New World”
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