Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award

This International Youth Day, we’re recognizing three young Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees who are creating opportunities for their peers around the world. 🌟

2026 honoree Aliza Lopez mobilized more than 400 young people to develop over 500 resources across 18 medical specialties, improving access to health education for youth in 40 countries.

Fellow 2026 honoree Spencer Chaisanguanthum founded Eloquence Academy, a youth-led nonprofit that has provided tuition-free debate classes, workshops, and programs to 3,600 students across 41 states and 20 countries.

2024 honoree Mark Leschinsky founded the Student World Impact Film Festival to give young filmmakers a platform to amplify diverse voices and inspire positive change. By waiving submission fees, the festival makes that opportunity accessible to student storytellers worldwide. 🎬🌎

Young people play an essential role in creating stronger, more inclusive communities. Recognizing that impact, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award chose to focus its 2026 honors on Gen Z changemakers who are transforming their ideas and passions into action.

“One act can make a difference.”

Angelica Berrie, President of The Russell Berrie Foundation, joined Steve Adubato on One-on-One to reflect on the vision of her late husband, Russ Berrie, and the 30-year legacy of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.

She discussed the generations of everyday heroes recognized by the Award and how their actions continue to inspire others to create change in their own communities.

Watch the full interview: https://loom.ly/m0HrlIk.

A caring mentor, an educational opportunity, or a second chance can shape a young person’s future. 📚

Throughout the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award’s 30-year history, honorees have expanded access to learning and higher education, supported children in foster care, empowered young leaders, and prepared students for success in school, work, and life.

This group includes 2026 honoree Spencer Chaisanguanthum, along with past honorees Phyllis DiNardi, Janet Farrand, Donald Roden, Robert Clark, Paul Winslow, Reverend Edwin D. Leahy, Nyene Baker, and the late Susan Nobleman, who passed away in 2025.

We thank every Youth Mentoring & Education honoree whose guidance and dedication have helped young people recognize their potential and build brighter futures. 🌟

📍 Central Jersey is home to 128 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees across six counties.

For 30 years, these dedicated individuals have responded to the needs around them with vision, compassion, and action. They have mentored young people, advanced education, addressed social challenges, expanded access to care, and created opportunities for others.

Each honoree’s mission has contributed to a stronger Central Jersey and a lasting legacy of impact. 🌟

Thank you to all of our Central Jersey honorees for making a difference in their communities and inspiring others to do the same.

This Back to School Month, we’re highlighting Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees helping students access the resources they need to learn and thrive. 📚

2021 honoree Larry Abrams founded BookSmiles to combat “book deserts” and ensure children can build personal libraries at home. Since its founding in 2017, the organization has distributed more than 4.7 million books and helped teachers expand their classroom libraries. 📖

Fellow 2021 honorees Emma and Quinn Joy founded Girls Helping Girls. Period. to address period poverty, an often-overlooked barrier that can cause students to miss school. The organization has distributed more than 5 million menstrual care items while advocating for menstrual equity, education, and dignity.

Their work reminds us that student success begins with access to essential resources, from books to period products. ✏️

The arts can open doors, build confidence, and give people new ways to share their stories. Throughout New Jersey, Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees have brought those opportunities to individuals and their communities. 🎬🎷

Featured here are Desi Shelton, Melissa Walker, Melina Garcia, Tom von Oehsen, Samir Nichols, Mark Leschinsky, and Kristy Whilden. Through theater, music, circus arts, dance, and film, their work has expanded access to creative experiences, elevated diverse voices, and inspired young people to create and lead.

Thank you to all of our arts and culture honorees for enriching lives through the arts. ✨

The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award’s 30-year legacy was recently featured on ONNJ Mornings. 📺

Scott Berrie, Vice President of The Russell Berrie Foundation, and 2026 honoree Violet Reed, executive director of the Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization (MEVO), joined Ken Rosato to discuss the Award’s remarkable history, its final class of honorees and the new generation of changemakers carrying its legacy forward.

Thank you to On New Jersey Mornings for helping us celebrate 30 years of New Jerseyans making a difference.

Watch the full segment: https://loom.ly/Tis9ZZc.

For 30 years, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has recognized individuals who have dedicated themselves to creating positive change in communities throughout North Jersey.

Among the region’s 294 honorees are Ron Hine, Toba Grossbaum, Bob Guarasci, Violet Reed, Lewis Spears and Tia Ryans. Their work spans environmental advocacy, disability inclusion, Holocaust education, youth development, criminal justice reform and community service, representing just a few of the many causes North Jersey honorees have advanced.

Thank you to all our North Jersey honorees for responding to their communities’ needs and helping build a better future for others. ✨

The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award was recently featured in EJewish Philanthropy. 💙

For 30 years, the Award has celebrated New Jersey's unsung heroes, recognizing 485 changemakers whose compassion, leadership, and service have addressed challenges, expanded opportunities, and inspired individuals to make a difference in New Jersey. We're grateful for the opportunity to share the Award's legacy and the lasting impact of those who have made a difference over the past three decades.

Read the full article: https://loom.ly/-ZYW8Iw