Russ Berrie 1933-2002
 "There is no greater important in life than knowing you've helped a fellow huiman being." ~Russ Berrie
Russ Berrie was Founder of Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (RUSS), a New Jersey company with 1,775 employees. Until his death in 2002, Mr. Berrie served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. RUSS and its wholly-owned subsidiaries design, develop and distribute approximately 8,000 gift, home decor, infant and juvenile products through more than 55,000 retail outlets worldwide.
The company, which was started in 1963, listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1984, has been ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the best small companies in America and by Nikkei Press also cited the company as one of the best companies in the world.
Mr. Berrie contributed his time and financial support to many organizations in the New York - New Jersey area, earning numerous honors for his strong commitment to education, healthcare, and Jewish, Roman Catholic and interreligious affairs. He was named one of the forty most generous Americasn by Fortune magazine in 1998. The Russell Berrie Foundation was named Outstanding Foundation for 2001 by the New Jersey Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2002, Mr. Berrie and his wife, the former Angelica, were honored as Humanitarians of the Year by the New York Chapter, Juvenile Diabeties Foundation International.
The Russell Berrie Foundation continues a proactive approach to find dynamic leaders with the passion, energy and commitment to be the driving force behind programs that fulfill the broad vision of its founder: improving the well being of society.
"I witnessed the joy in Mr. Berrie's eyes that only comes from knowing it is far better to give than to receive." ~Robin Reilly 2002 Honoree
"Russ Berrie shared a part of his heart with me. It felt like an older brother, someone who represented 'success' and was doing charitable things, saying, 'You're doing a good job, too.'" ~Paul Burns 1998 Honoree
"Volunteers aren't paid in physical dollars, but emotional dollars. Knowing that we've helped
someone less fortunate is rewarding." ~Blair and Adam Hornstine 1999 Honorees
"That they thought I was special? That was something I couldn't believe, because I'm not any different than anyone else. I have a lot of love and I can't keep it to myself."
~Beverly Turner 1998 Honoree
"I've had a good life, and I'm just returning what was blessed to me."
~Claude "Pops" Kranik 2000 Honoree
"I try to get people involved so they see there's still life to be lived and enjoyed. It's very rewarding if I can make someone else feel better about themselves."
~ Joseph Neary 2002 Honoree
[ return to top ]
|
