Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award

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Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award

The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award is managed by Ramapo College Foundation

09/24/2026

Louis Quinones knows how much a mentor can change the direction of a young person’s life. 💙

A 2026 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honoree, Louis founded Community Lifestyle to give Hoboken youth access to free after-school programs, summer camps, workforce training, sports, and mentorship.

In this video, Louis dedicates the recognition to the mentors who gave him opportunities and shares his hope that it will inspire the children he serves to become role models in their own communities. ✨

09/22/2026

Some families need emergency shelter after a disaster. Others need housing, child care, recovery services, or employment support as they work toward a more stable future. 🏠

Homeless support honorees Peg Wright, Connie Mercer, the late Jane Fiedler and Roger Hinton created organizations and programs that respond to these needs with practical assistance and compassion.

Their work is part of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award’s 30-year history of recognizing people who help New Jersey residents through times of crisis. Thank you to all of our homeless support honorees for providing shelter, resources, and support when people need them most. 💙

09/21/2026

What can begin with one person’s experience or one unmet need can grow into something that serves an entire community. 📍

South Jersey honorees Riccardo Dale, Tawanda Jones, Katelyn Darrow, Kristy Whilden, Shirley Green and Trinity Jagdeo have created mentorship opportunities, positive outlets for young people, essential support for families, inclusive arts experiences, disability representation and a place to preserve local African American history.

These six changemakers are part of a group of 63 South Jersey residents honored by the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award over the past 30 years. We thank each of them for turning their commitment to others into action. ✨

09/17/2026

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re recognizing 2026 honoree Kathleen Lynn for her work with Centro Comunitario CEUS and her commitment to New Jersey’s immigrant communities.🌺

Kathleen and Beatriz Rodriguez received the Grow the Ripple of Positive Change recognition after being nominated by 2012 honoree Blanca Molina. Their work helps continue CEUS’s efforts to connect immigrants with legal services, education, health resources, workplace protections, and other essential support.

In this video from the 2026 ceremony, Kathleen shares her pride that the Award recognizes CEUS’s work and her hope that the honor will shine a light on immigrants’ experiences and their many contributions to New Jersey.

09/15/2026

In a 2021 interview with Steve Adubato, Angelica Berrie reflected on how essential Ramapo College of New Jersey has been to the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards.

As we celebrate the Award’s 30-year legacy, we are grateful for a partnership that helped make it possible to recognize generations of New Jersey’s unsung heroes and bring greater attention to their work.

Stay tuned as we spotlight the shared journey of Ramapo College and the Making a Difference Award over the past three decades.

09/14/2026

Steve Adubato recently spotlighted the 30-year legacy of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards on One-on-One with Steve Adubato. 🎥

The special featured Russell Berrie Foundation President Angelica Berrie, Vice President Scott Berrie, CEO Dr. Idana Goldberg, MADA Advisory Board Co-Chair Lynne Algrant, and honorees recognized throughout the Award’s history.

Father Edwin Leahy, one of the first honorees recognized in 1997, reflected on what receiving the Award meant to him nearly 30 years ago. He was joined by honorees from across the decades, including Saranne Rothberg, Dana Spett, Chip Paillex, Eric Fuchs-Stengel, Fraidy Reiss, Kim Gaddy, Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, Trinity Jagdeo, Violet Reed, and Abigail Franco.

Together, their stories captured the spirit of the Award: recognizing people whose dedication and service are making a meaningful difference throughout New Jersey.

Watch the full feature: https://loom.ly/Hj1bJ28.

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years later, we remember those who lost their lives on September 11 and honor those who responded with courage and compassion.

Among them are Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees William Keegan, the Port Authority employees and Allyson Gilbert. William served as Night Operations Commander of the World Trade Center Recovery Teams before founding HEART 9/11. Ten Port Authority employees carried their colleague John Abruzzo down 69 floors to safety. Allyson formed FAVOR to provide services and support to families grieving the loss of 34 Middletown residents.

Their actions reflect the strength, selflessness, and unity that emerged during one of our nation’s darkest days. We remember the lives lost and thank all who stepped forward to help. 💙

09/08/2026

A baseball field, classroom or therapeutic program can become a place where people of all abilities feel welcomed, supported and empowered. ♿⚾🐴

This post recognizes Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, Dr. Dana Spett, Douglas Berrian, the late Joseph Brown, Barry Hackett and Christian Kane. Through education, family support, adaptive sports, and inclusive recreation, they have helped remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities in New Jersey.

Thank you to all of our Programs for Differently Abled Individuals honorees for helping people of all abilities participate, connect and thrive. 💙

09/07/2026

📍 Our final regional spotlight takes us to South Jersey, home to 63 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees.

For 30 years, these changemakers have developed programs, delivered vital services, supported individuals and families, and found meaningful ways to address needs within their communities.

Together, their efforts have left a lasting mark across South Jersey. Thank you to all 63 honorees for their dedication and impact. 🌟

Stay tuned as we highlight several South Jersey honorees and the work they have led throughout the region.

09/03/2026

This Su***de Prevention Month, we honor three Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees who have turned personal loss into lifesaving action. 💚💙

Kurt and Tricia Baker founded Attitudes In Reverse to help young people speak openly about mental health and seek support. Their daughter, Katelyn Baker, has helped bring therapy dogs into schools through AIR Dogs: Paws for Minds. The late Don Quigley co-founded the Society for the Prevention of Teen Su***de, which has trained educators, parents and students to recognize warning signs and help those at risk.

Thank you to these honorees and all who are working to end the stigma surrounding mental health and prevent su***de.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

***dePreventionMonth

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https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/

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