Blog
The Genesis of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award: Heralding New Jersey’s Unsung Heroes
Russ Berrie’s deep appreciation and empathy for the unsung heroes among us in NJ who work tirelessly to improve lives, and his passion for philanthropy, motivated the launch of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards.
Meet Riccardo Dale: Helping Put Youth at Risk on the Path to Success
Riccardo Dale, a 2024 Russ Berrie honoree, founded Free All Minds Academy (F.A.M.) to support at-risk youth from 8th grade to adulthood, providing weekly mentoring and guidance.
Meet Gary Oppenheimer: Connecting Gardeners to Food Pantries to Fight Hunger
Our third subject for Hunger Action Month is Gary Oppenheimer, a 2011 MADA honoree and founder of AmpleHarvest.org, a nonprofit that connects gardeners with food pantries for surplus donations.
Claudia Wheeler – Fighting Food Waste Through the SALT Foundation
Claudia Wheeler founded the SALT Foundation in 2017 to fight food waste by rescuing surplus food for those in need. Her efforts focus on food security, community health, and outreach.
Meet Tanya & Matthew Veltz of Tree House Cares: Working to Build a Healthier Community in the Newark Area
Tanya and Matthew Veltz founded Tree House Entertainment Cultural Arts Movement, a nonprofit, in 2017. It provides groceries, clothing, meals, school supplies, health fairs, and community events.
Spotlight on Trinity Jagdeo, Advocate For Disabled Children
Trinity Jagdeo, a 2024 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honoree, is an advocate dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation for disabled children through her nonprofit organization, From We Can’t to We Can, based in Vineland, NJ.
Spotlight on Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber: Activist and LGBTQ+ Pioneer
Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber, founder and chief activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, commits his life’s work to addressing social justice for the LGBTQIA community, encompassing the intersectionality of marginalized individuals and families within the queer community.
Russ Berrie Honorees Are Advancing Women of All Ages
Highlighting 6 Russ Berrie Honorees advancing women of all ages in NJ for Women’s History Month: Ann Wagner, Bridget Cutler, Emma & Quinn Joy, A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, and Tawanda Jones.
Making a Difference Honoree Profile: Sandra Ramos, Fighting to End Domestic Violence
Meet Sandra Ramos, a fearless activist fighting to end domestic violence. She founded the first shelter for battered women in North America and has saved lives and created brighter futures for thousands.
Russ Berrie Making a Difference Honoree Profile: Ray Chimileski, Caring for Homeless Veterans
Learn how Ray Chimileski and his organization, Operation Chillout, are making a difference by providing support to homeless veterans in New Jersey.