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 419 individuals have been recognized since 1997.
419 Honorees04
More than $4.1 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

July 2024

On Their Land, In Their Voices

MSU College of Humanities and Social Sciences
The 14-acre organic farm is run by Turtle Clan Chief Vincent Mann, Michaeline Picaro Mann, and the farm’s manager, Lenny Welch
July 2024

Two Local Women Receive Making A Difference Awards

SNJ Today
Kristy Whilden of Elmer and Trinity Jagdeo of Vineland
July 2024

More trucks roll through NY, NJ ports after Baltimore bridge collapse

Gothamist
Kim Gaddy – founder of the Newark environmental advocacy group South Ward Environmental Alliance, said the extra trucks could make the area’s air quality even worse.
Load More

Press Releases