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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 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

April 2026

Trailblazing Women in Leadership: Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr Is Changing the Autism Narrative in New Jersey

TAPinto East Orange/Orange
For Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, leadership was never about titles, recognition, or public platforms. It began with something far more personal — a mother’s instinct.
April 2026

‘Breaking The Glass Ceiling’ In Newark: Unique NJ Nonprofit Celebrates 25 Years Of Fire And Art

Patch Newark NJ
Twenty five years ago, GlassRoots started as a table and two torches at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark thanks to the unique vision of our pioneering founder, Patricia “Pat” Kettenring.
April 2026

Building the next generation of immigrant rights organizers

American Friends Service Committee Newsroom
AFSC’s Julie Flores-Castillo has been organizing since she was 14. Now she’s helping young people across New Jersey do the same.
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