Blog
The Honoree Who’s Creating New Pathways for Children with Autism
In observance of World Autism Month, we feature Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr of East Orange, a Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Honoree who created Nassan’s Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides accessible, affordable educational and recreational programs and other support services for children and families affected by autism in and around New Jersey’s inner-city communities.
Meet Fraidy Reiss – Changing the Destiny of Young Women in Forced Marriages
Fraidy Reiss, founder of the nonprofit organization Unchained At Last, is working to end forced and child marriage and create laws prohibiting it throughout the entire U.S.
Meet Quadeer Porter: Improving the Lives of Newark’s Young Men
Quadeer Porter established Brothers Building a Better Nation (BBABN) to help Newark-area men at risk for self-harm by eliminating the systemic barriers to mental health services. BBABN clients get access to a therapist of color and resources to alleviate housing, addiction and other social issues, especially for those who were formerly incarcerated.
How Making a Difference Award Honorees are Uplifting Lives in South Jersey
Since 1997, 67 people from South Jersey counties have received the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. Erik Estrada of the Camden County-based Community Foundation of South Jersey serves on the MADA advisory board and shares insights about changemakers and their impact in South Jersey.
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.