The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award (MADA) was established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie—founder, CEO and chairman of Russ Berrie & Co. and founder of The Russell Berrie Foundation. The Award honors New Jersey residents whose outstanding community service and heroic acts have made a substantial impact on the lives of others. This prestigious program embodies Mr. Berrie’s legacy and philanthropy by recognizing New Jerseyans who are creating positive change in their communities.
His son, Scott Berrie, a Foundation trustee, recalls conversations around his family’s dining room table and his father’s deep feelings for the people whose good work to improve people’s lives and strengthen their communities often goes unnoticed nor receives widespread attention. Scott said this was the catalyst behind the creation of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.
“Before there was a formalized foundation, we’d meet once a month at my dad’s house to discuss donations we were making to organizations. At one point, my father said, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to create something to recognize other people for what they’re doing to change their community, to raise awareness of people doing great things, and inspire other people to do acts of kindness, perform sudden acts of bravery, and [devote] their whole life to serving their community?’” Out of that desire, the Making a Difference Award was born in 1997.
Each award ceremony affected Russ Berrie deeply. Scott recalls his father welling up with tears when meeting the honorees, touched by ordinary people who were taking time out from their daily lives to help others in need in their communities.
Two of those people who’ve been honored are Tanya and Matthew Veltz of Tree House Cares in Newark. The 2022 honorees said “This was one of the best awards we ever received. On top of the recognition, getting a cash award meant we could help even more people.”
They put the money back into their organization, which distributes groceries, clothing and personal necessities, hot meals, and school supplies; organizes free community events; and helps connect residents with health care, job security, housing, and other essential resources. They added that the Making a Difference Award is also a valuable credibility tool when they apply for grants.
A passion for philanthropy, a legacy of doing good
The Making a Difference Award is also an extension of Russ Berrie’s lifelong passion for philanthropy, something he learned at an early age from his own father, who did not have much but supported causes that were most meaningful to him…and taught a young Russ the personal value of those connections made through giving.
“My father loved the opportunity to showcase the best and brightest people doing good in New Jersey,” said Scott. “He felt that each honoree epitomized the kind of life we should all lead and got very emotional while introducing them at the awards ceremonies.” Russ Berrie passed away in 2002 but his legacy of philanthropy and recognizing New Jersey residents who are creating positive impact lives on.
Angelica Berrie, Russ’s widow and president of The Russell Berrie Foundation, echoed that sentiment on a StoryCorps recording she made with Scott. She referenced one of the “unintended consequences” of the Making a Difference Award—the valuable connections made among honorees that expand the impact of their collective efforts. “Our legacy is the power of connection, which is creating a force field for doing good in New Jersey.”
Among the youngest New Jerseyans who’ve been recognized for their good work are two 2024 honorees: Trinity Jagdeo, 23, of From We Can’t to We Can in Vineland and Riccardo Dale, 26, of Free All Minds Academy (F.A.M.) in Beverly.
Inspired by her lifelong best friend who has spinal muscular atrophy, Trinity founded From We Can’t to We Can when she was just 17 years old. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to increasing the representation and inclusion of young disabled people, depicting them as the superheroes they are through books, events, and empowering photo shoots.
She said that being honored by the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has amplified her organization’s work. “This recognition shows that organizations and corporations value our work and we are definitely empowered.”
As a college sophomore, Riccardo founded his mentoring program for at-risk and underprivileged youth out of his own life experiences. Through F.A.M., mentors meet weekly with students and young men from 8th grade into adulthood to offer personalized guidance, support, and much more. F.A.M. participants have achieved an incredible 100% high school graduation rate and 96% college acceptance rate.
Reflecting on the awards ceremony, Riccardo said, “It feels good to know that The Russell Berrie Foundation recognizes the work I’m doing. It is fulfilling to know that other people are here supporting you and you’re not doing this by yourself.”
