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

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Norma Bowe

Norma Bowe

Highland Park
2023
Homeless Support
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Carol Dvoor

Carol Dvoor

Flemington
2023
Defending People From Violence
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Jose German Gomez

Jose German-Gomez

Montclair
2023
Environment & Local Community Programs
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Rylee Howerton

Rylee Howerton

Vineland
2023
Social Justice & Inclusion
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Pamela Johnson

Pamela Johnson

Jersey City
2023
Defending People From Violence
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Christian Kane

Christian Kane

Toms River
2023
Programs for Differently Abled Individuals
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Zaniya Lewis

Zaniya Lewis

Edgewater Park
2023
Youth Mentoring & Education
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Tia Ryans

Tia Ryans

Newark
2023
Social Justice & Inclusion
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Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber

Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber

Princeton
2023
Social Justice & Inclusion
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Melissa Walker

Melissa Walker

Montclair
2023
Arts & Culture
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Claudia Wheeler

Claudia Wheeler

East Brunswick
2023
Food Security
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Honoree Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Al-Tariq Best

Al-Tariq Best

Newark
2022
Youth Mentoring & Education
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