Past Honorees

Learn more about past Honorees of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award and the impact they are having in communities around New Jersey. All of them are shining examples of individuals who saw a need, an injustice, an inequity, or a problem to solve . . . and took action.

Want to find who’s doing great work in your community? Or addressing an issue you care about? Search the directory and use the map to locate Honorees near you.

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Search by name or keyword or click on the filters to find Honorees by year, focus area, or location.

Nyene Baker

Trenton
2025
Youth Mentoring & Education

John El-Maraghy

Jersey City
2025
Social Justice & Inclusion

Julie Flores-Castillo

Red Bank
2025
Social Justice & Inclusion

Robert Guarasci

Paterson
2025
Youth Mentoring & Education

William Keegan

East Brunswick
2025
Heroic Act

Sister Patricia Prendergast

Atlantic City
2025
Homeless Support

Desi Shelton

Camden
2025
Arts & Culture

Lewis Spears

Jersey City
2025
Youth Mentoring & Education

Ashante Taylorcox

Marlton
2025
Social Justice & Inclusion

Peg Wright

Somerset
2025
Homeless Support

Maud Dahme

Flemington
2024
Social Justice & Inclusion

Riccardo Dale

Beverly
2024
Youth Mentoring & Education