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.

Use this directory to see who’s doing great work in your community…or addressing an issue you care about.

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Honoree Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Al-Tariq Best

Al-Tariq Best

Newark
2022
Youth Mentoring & Education

Emily Dempsey

Cape May
2022
Social Justice & Inclusion

Nicholas Dirla

Bridgewater
2022
Heroic Act

Stephanie Glover-Wilson

Bayonne
2022
Food Security

Roger Hinton

Orange
2022
Homeless Support

Diana Mejia

Morristown
2022
Social Justice & Inclusion

Samir Nichols

Camden
2022
Arts & Culture

Shenee & Seigha Omuso

Burlington
2022
Environment & Local Community Programs

Quadeer Porter

Newark
2022
Social Justice & Inclusion

Tanya & Matthew Veltz

Newark
2022
Food Security

Larry Abrams

Cherry Hill
2021
Youth Mentoring & Education

Anthony Capuano

Jersey City
2021
Heroic Act