2024 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

Announcing the 2024 Honorees

We thank everyone who nominated someone for this prestigious award that recognizes changemakers who are creating positive impact in their New Jersey communities. Scroll down to learn more about these inspiring individuals who we will celebrate at our 28th anniversary award ceremony.

We thank everyone who nominated someone for this prestigious award that recognizes changemakers who are creating positive impact in their New Jersey communities. Scroll down to learn more about these inspiring individuals who we will celebrate at our 28th anniversary award ceremony. You can also read about the 2024 honorees in our news release at the link below.

Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards Hero NJ
Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards Hero Collage NJ

Our 2024 Making a Difference Honorees

The Honorees will be recognized at the 28th annual Making a Difference Award Ceremony on Friday, May 10 at Ramapo College. 

Phyllis DiNardi

Ocean Township

Kristy Whilden

Elmer

Nadine Wright-Arbubakkr

East Orange

Riccardo Dale

Beverly

Trinity Jagdeo

Vineland

Ruth Perez

Camden

Kim Sleeman

Short Hills

Maud Dahme

Flemington

Lifetime Service Award

Established in
1997by Russell Berrie
A total of
430 NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$4.2M in cash awards since 1997
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Established in
1997
by Russell Berrie
A total of
430
NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$4.2M
in cash awards since 1997
About the

Making a Difference

Award
Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie, and managed and hosted by Ramapo College of New Jersey, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honors Garden State residents whose outstanding community service and heroic acts have made a substantial impact on the lives of others.

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.
There’s no greater importance in life than knowing you’ve helped a fellow human being.”
Russ Berrie, 1933-2002
Russell Berrie

From the Blog

In the News

Recent Press & Media

April 2024
Kim Gaddy founded the South Ward Environmental Alliance, a local climate change advocacy group.
April 2024
Jose German-Gomez has earned kudos for educating the public about food production, wildlife habitats and other environmental issues.
April 2024
Barry Hackett, an Absecon resident, wanted to open a baseball field where his grandson Jacob, who has cerebral palsy, could play like any other kid.