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.

Norma Bowe

Highland Park
2023
Homeless Support

Carol Dvoor

Flemington
2023
Defending People From Violence

Jose German-Gomez

Montclair
2023
Environment

Rylee Howerton

Vineland
2023
Social Justice & Inclusion

Pamela Johnson

Jersey City
2023
Defending People From Violence

Christian Kane

Toms River
2023
Programs for Differently Abled Individuals

Zaniya Lewis

Edgewater Park
2023
Youth Mentoring & Education

Tia Ryans

Newark
2023
Social Justice & Inclusion

Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber

Princeton
2023
Social Justice & Inclusion

Melissa Walker

Montclair
2023
Arts & Culture

Claudia Wheeler

East Brunswick
2023
Food Security

Al-Tariq Best

Newark
2022
Youth Mentoring & Education