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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
June 2025
Trafficking survivor’s nonprofit supports marginalized groups
June 2025
Joseph and Julia Quinlan and their late daughter, Karen Ann, the central figure in a right-to-die case that led to a landmark ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court,
May 2025
Desi Shelton – A nonprofit theater in South Jersey called Camden Rep Theater Company aims to tell the stories of women and girls, to help them heal and transforms their lives.
Press Releases
- Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award Announces Honorees For The 29th Annual Ceremony
- 2024 Nominations Open Press Release
- Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award Announces Honorees For The 27th Annual Ceremony
- Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Announces 2022 Honorees
- Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Announces 2021 Honorees
- Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Celebrates Honorees at 23rd Annual Ceremony at Ramapo College