Media & Press

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 430 individuals have been recognized since 1997.
419 Honorees04
More than $4.2 million has been awarded to New Jersey residents since 1997.
Over $4.1 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

December 2025

A heartfelt thank you to The Kelly Clarkson Show for helping us share our mission to tackle hunger and reduce food waste nationwide. 

Kelly Clarkson Show
Adam Lowy, was so surprised he was left speechless! A heartfelt thank you to The Kelly Clarkson Show for helping us share our mission to tackle hunger and reduce food waste nationwide.
December 2024

South Ward Environmental Alliance and RMN & Associates Partner to Launch G.A.L.A. – Business Program

Patch
Kim Gaddy, Executive Director of SWEA. “This initiative offers a transformative opportunity for local business owners to gain the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries.”
December 2024

Governor Murphy Signs Freedom to Read Act

State of New Jersey
Representation matters & access is essential, said Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber, Chief Activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice.
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